India has been the centre of the world for too long in the ancient
past. Few of world’s most important religions has originated from India.
Buddhism was once the dominating religion in India and
Buddhist monasteries and
stupas were built
all over India before it eventually spread to other countries. Around
8th century AD, with the advent of Shankaracharya, Hinduism revived and
it saw many Hindu rulers including
Pallavas and
Cholas building
architectural wonders. Rajputs built various
magnificent hill forts in Rajasthan to protect their own areas.
After the invasion from Muslim rulers in the 11th century, India for
the first time saw influences from the middle east, with Afghan and
Persian architectural designs mixing with the exiting Indian styles. Mughals ensured that India has some of the finest
Islamic architecture in India.
Portuguese, French, Dutch and Britishers later attacked India, leaving
their footprints with various churches and influences from European
style of monuments.
India has been a land of architectural marvels and here is our list of 7 wonders of architecture in India.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Part of the
7 wonders of the world, this list had to
start with Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is an mausoleum built in a span of 22
years in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved
wife Mumtaz. Taj Mahal displays a combination of Hindu and Indo-Islamic
architecture. Huge white marble terrace on which rests the famous white
marble dome, flanked by four tapering minarets. Within the dome lies the
jewel-inlaid cenotaph of the deceased queen.
2 Nalanda Ruins, Nalanda, Bihar
Nālandā was an ancient center of higher learning in Bihar, India. The university of Nalanda is located in the Indian state of Bihar, and was a Buddhist center of learning.
The great library of Nalanda University was so vast that it is reported
to have burned for three months after the invaders set fire to it,
ransacked and destroyed the monasteries, and drove the monks from the
site.
3. , Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is the
largest monastery in India.
It was founded near the small town in accordance with the wishes of the
5th Dalai Lama. It is very close to the Tibetan border, in the valley
of the Tawang-chu which flows down from Tibet. The monastery is also
known in Tibetan as Galden Namgey Lhatse, which translates to ‘Celestial
paradise in a clear night.’
4. Ruins of Vijaynagar Empire, Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi ruins are a UNESCO world heritage site,
listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi. The Vithala temple complex
at Hampi in state of Karnataka has 56 musical pillars, which are
constructed such that when stuck, each one emits a unique musical tone.
The Virupaksha temple, site of the ancient city of Vijaynagar, is the
main centre of pilgrimage at Hampi. It has three towers, which rise to a
height of 160 feet and are nine tiered. It dates back to the first half
of the fifteenth century.
5. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
The Surya – mandir (sun-temple) of Konark, derived from the words Kona (Corner) and Arka (Sun), is known not only for its
architectural grandeur
but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire
temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels,
each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate
carvings. Seven horses drag the temple and two lions guard the entry,
crushing the elephants.
6. The Iron Pillar, Delhi
Dating back to the 4th century A.D., the Iron pillar of Delhi bears Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi script which states that it was
erected in the honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu and in the memory of the
Gupta King Chandragupta II. It highlights ancient India’s achievements
in metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 percent wrought iron and has
stood more than 1600 years without rusting or decomposing. The pillar is
7 meters high and 17 inches in diameter at the base and 12 inches in
diameter at the top. It might not be the
most beautiful architectural monument in India, but it sure is
one of the wonders of India.
7. Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Ajanta Caves, thirty in number were made in 2nd century BC. The
themes are religious and centred around Buddha. Paintings are done on
ground of mud-plaster. Ellora caves are rock-cut shrines representing
three different faiths, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, known for their
striking proportion, elaborate workmanship, architectural content and
sculptural ornamentation. Both Ajanta and Ellora Caves are part of UNESCO world heritage sites and are one the most exotic caves of India depicting India’s architectural brilliance in the past.
How did you like our list of these
7 beautiful architectural monuments in India?
If you think any particular heritage structure should have been included in this, leave your thoughts in the comments.
