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India is a land of cultural diversity that has managed to preserve its time-honored traditions while absorbing new customs, trends and ideas from invaders and immigrants. This fusion of culture is quite evident in languages, festivals, cuisines and attires of different regions of India. Indian Architecture is one of the finest examples of fusion of Indian culture as it boasts of some of the best specimen of different styles of architecture. These architectural landmarks are the result of traditions that combined elements from several parts of the country and abroad. Grand tombs, forts, palaces, temples and cities built by different dynasties, are living lessons about the history and culture of an earlier golden era.
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Golden Temple is a most revered pilgrimage center for the Sikhs. The official name of the Temple is Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib. It was made of white marble and inlaid copper work that was later covered by gold plate that gave the temple its names as the Golden Temple. It was started by 4th Sikh Guru Ram Dev and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. |
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Red Fort is an important historical Mughal site in Delhi that was constructed by Shahjahan when he built the city of Shahjahanabad. The major attractions of this majestic fort are Naubat Khana or Drum House, Diwan-i-Aam or the Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience, the Hamams or Royal Bath and Rang Mahal or Palace of Colors. It was listed as the World Heritage Site in 2007. |
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Qutub Minar Qutub complex comprises of Qutub Minar, Quwutawal Islam Mosque, Tomb of Illtutmish, Madrasa, Alai Darwaja and Alai Minar. This complex was listed as the World Heritage Sites in 1993. The entire complex was constructed on the debris of 27 Jain and Hindu temples. Qutub Minar, one of the major landmarks of India, it was constructed as muezzin for the mosque by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1199 and completed by Illtutmish in 13th century. |
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Humayun’s Tomb, the mausoleum of Humayun, was constructed in 1565 AD by his wife, Haji Begum. Built over a huge platform, the tomb is made of sandstone and marble and situated in the middle of a garden criss-crossed by channels of water. It is considered the precursor of Taj Mahal in Agra and enlisted as the World Heritage Site in 1993. |
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Agra Fort Akbar started Red Fort of Agra in 1565 as a military establishment of mud and bricks. Several additions were made by Jahangir and Shahjahan during their respective reigns. The fort is 2.5km long with 20ft high walls and a deep moat. The places of historical interest are Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam and Pearl Mosque. It was listed as the World Heritage Site in 1983. |
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Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar between 1570 and 1586 in the vicinity of the dargah of Saint Salim Chisti and the mosque. It is made of red sandstone and its eastern entrance is known as Bulund Darwaza, erected after the conquest of Gujarat. It is the highest gateway in India. The fort is famous for Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas and Panch Mahal. It was listed as the World Heritage Site in 1986. |
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Sikandra, Akbar's tomb near Agra was initiated by Akbar himself while completed by his son Jahangir. The unique pyramidal tomb structure is topped by an open terrace contained within large panels of jail screens. The portico in front of the grave in the basement is covered with the most lavish stucco paintings in gold, blue, brown and green colors, unsurpassed in splendor by any Mughal building. |
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Monasteries of Ladakh : Ladakh is proud of several historic monasteries called Gompas located in superb scenic locations. They have rich collections of Buddhist Thangka paintings, art and artifacts. Many of the monasteries are open to tourists who can admire the architecture and art collections in these Gompas. The popular monasteries to see in Ladakh are Hemis Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Lamayuru Monastery, Shey Monastery, Alchi Gompa, Likir Monastery, Spituk Monastery and Thiksey Monastery. |
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Taj Mahal : The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture incorporating elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built of white marble, Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the most photographed monuments in the world. |
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