India is a beautiful country known prominently for its rich and varied culture. Through the ages, India has been in constant contact with diverse cultures from around the world. The monuments situated in the country represent the harmonious confluence of various traditions and cultures together. Apart from the cultural diversity and the historical relevance, these Indian monuments must be visited to experience the grandeur and magnificence of the architectural miracles that add to the beauty of our country.
In today’s digital world, when videogames and smartphones seem to be rapidly replacing books, we must educate our children on the rich and diverse culture that our country is home to. The first step in introducing the rich and diverse Indian culture to young minds is to acquaint them with the relics left behind by the past generations, the Monuments of India. Indian Monuments give a gist of the varied heritage that our country is part of. Here, we have compiled the list of ten such monuments, which will teach your child about the rich culture of our country.
Taj Mahal
Any discussion on the Monuments of India must undoubtedly begin with the most beautiful and majestic Monument, the Taj Mahal. Situated in Agra, on the banks of the river Yamuna, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Monument’s mesmerizing beauty, along with the magnificent architecture, makes it one of a kind. Made entirely of white marble, this Indian Monument is considered to be an outstanding architectural achievement of the Indo-Islamic architecture. The Monument blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings, enhancing its aesthetic aspect. Cited by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Hawa Mahal
Situated in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, the Hawa Mahal is a grand palace built with red sandstone. Said to have been constructed by the Rajput ruler Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal occupies an important place among the monuments of India. “The Palace of Wind” is said to have been constructed to allow the royal women, who were not supposed to be seen in public, to view the processions and festivals, which took place on the street. The Monument consists of 953 casements, each of which has a window. Built as an extension to the City Palace, situated nearby, the Hawa Mahal is both grand and beautiful. It is also quite popular among foreigners and is a central hub for tourists each year.
Qutub Minar
Constructed in 1193 AD by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, the Qutab Minar is recognized as one of the three World Heritage Sites in New Delhi by UNESCO. The tower was built to commemorate the victory of Qutab-ud-din-Aibak over the previous ruler of Delhi. This majestic tower contains scriptures from the holy Quran carved in it. This great Monument is an accurate representation of the beauty and grandeur of Indo-Islamic art. It is the architectural brilliance and the peaceful ambience that enhances the beauty of this majestic tower. This renowned Indian Monument is the tallest brick minaret in the world and is a striking 72.5 meters high.
Konark Sun Temple
Situated in the state of Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple, is said to have been built by Narasimha Deva in the early 13th century. Declared to be a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this Indian Monument is representative of the splendid architectural beauty that the country is home to. The Monument is built in the form of a chariot with twelve pairs of wheels, which are pulled by seven horses. The Monument is stunning; the marvellous design and sculptural work, along with the peaceful ambience, make this Monument one of a kind.
Charminar
Completed in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah, the majestic and glorious Charminar is situated in the city of Hyderabad, in the state of Telangana. The Monument gains its name from its four minarets (“Char,” meaning four and “Minar,” meaning Minarets). This Indian Monument is quite popular and is said to have been built to celebrate the end of a deadly plague, which had occurred at the time. The tranquil and welcoming ambience of the Monument gives the Charminar a special charm of its own. The magnificent and exquisite beauty of the Monument can be attributed to its marvellous architecture. The Indo-Islamic architecture can be found at its zenith in this Monument.
Agra Fort
Located in Agra, the Agra Fort served as the residence of the Mughal Emperors till 1638. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made entirely of red sandstone and is located quite close to the Taj Mahal. This Monument occupies a significant position in the list of Indian monuments due to its historical relevance and marvellous architecture. This historical Monument is often referred to as a walled city and is one of the most popular and renowned Monuments in the country.
Sanchi Stupa
The Sanchi Stupa is believed to be one of the oldest monuments to have been constructed in India. This incredible Monument is located in Bhopal, the capital state of Madhya Pradesh. This Monument is an example of the spectacular architecture prevalent during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. Said to have been constructed by Ashoka to preserve and spread the philosophy of Buddhism. The Monument has a calm and tranquil ambience, capable of providing instant peace to anyone who visits it.
Gateway of India
Situated in the busy city of Mumbai, the Gateway of India is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the country. It was built to commemorate the visit of the King of England, George V, and Queen Anne in 1924. The monument is embellished with the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Though it was mostly built to showcase the power of the British Raj in India, the Gateway eventually served as the passage for the departure of the British troops from India.
Mysore Palace
The “City of Palaces,” Mysore, is home to one of India’s most incredible palaces, the Mysore Palace. One of the most popular historical monuments located in Karnataka, the Mysore Palace used to be the residence of the Wodeyar Dynasty. This spectacular palace is built in an Indo-Saracenic style and combines elements from Mughal, Hindu, and Gothic architectural styles. One of the largest palaces in the country, the Mysore Palace, was designed by Henry Irwin. Today, this magnificent palace has been converted into a museum and is home to the art and architecture that belonged to the Wodeyar Dynasty.
The India Gate
The India Gate is situated in the capital state of India, New Delhi. This Monument is known for its striking resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe, located in Paris. The Monument was built during the British rule in India and was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and the cornerstone for the monument was laid by the Duke of Connaught. The India gate was built as a war memorial and stood as a tribute to the British Indian troops who died during the First World War. After the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the Indian Memorial was added to the monument. The memorial is dedicated to the Indian soldiers who were martyred in the war.
Each monument in the country is relevant and plays an integral part in the history of the nation. From the mesmerizing Taj Mahal to the tranquil Shanti Stupa, the Indian monuments reflect both its diversity and rich culture. Apart from its immense historical relevance, these monuments also add to the fascinating beauty of the country.
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