10 Most Famous Historical Monuments of India

India is rich in culture,traditions,heritage buildings, temples, forts and palaces. Famous Indian Monuments includes Old Churches of Goa ,The Taj Mahal, Qutab Minar of Delhi, Charminar, Red fort and Jantar mantar, these are also few most visited Heritage Sites in India.
These Historical Monuments are the only wealth of Indian tourism along with other World Heritage Sites and Nature tourism places like wild parks and ancient temples of south India.

हिन्दी मे जानिए- भारत के 25 ऐतिहासिक स्मारक

1. Taj Mahal, Agra

The-Taj-Mahal

The Taj Mahal, a beautiful white marble Monument located in the city of Agra on the banks of the holy river Yamuna in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Taj Mahal is the finest example of combines elements of Mughal, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles.
It is one of the eight wonders of the world and also one of the must visit place in Uttar Pradesh . Fatehpur Sikri is another historic site in the state, the first planned city of the Mughals.

2. Mysore Palace, Mysore

Mysore_Palace

The Palace of Mysore is the most famous historical monument, located in the city of Mysore in Karnataka and one of the most visited monuments in India. Mysore Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city along with Chamundi Hills.

3. Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar

The-Golden-Temple

The Golden Temple is known as Harmandir Sahib is a Sikh Gurdwara located in the Amritsar, Punjab. Shri Darbar Shaib is the holiest shrine and most famous pilgrimage place for Sikhs.
Harmandir Sahib is one of the most sacred places in India, a Holy Granth Sahib is always present inside the temple.

4. Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur

Brihadeshwara-Temple-Thanjavur

Brihadishwara Temple also called Periya Koyil or Big Temple is one of the India’s largest temple located in the Thanjavur at the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
The Rajarajeswaram temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the best temple build by Cholas along with Airavatesvara Temple of Tamil Nadu, Brihadishwara Temple and Airavatesvara Temple are two world heritage  sites in Tamil Nadu.

5. Bahai Temple, Delhi

Bahai-Temple

The Lotus Temple of Delhi is called Bahai Temples, situated near kalka Ji.Lotus Temple is a house of Worship for every religion and best place for meditation and peace.

Bahai Faith is spiritual unity of all humankind, there are eight continental Houses of Worship have been built around the world. Lotus Temple is one of them and the prominent attraction in Delhi.

6. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

hawa-mahal-jaipur

The great monuments of the royal Rajputs of Rajasthan, Hawa Mahal also Palace of Winds is situated in the heart of pink city and the capital of Rajasthan,Jaipur. The pyramid shape five-story palace is constructed by red and pink sandstone by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh for women’s of royal families.
Hawa Mahal is one of the major tourist attraction of Jaipur as well as must see historical monuments of Rajasthan state.

7. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai

Chhatrapati_Shivaji_Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus is a historic railway station situated in the dream city of India Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Victoria Terminus is one of the most busiest railway station in India and headquarters of the Central Railways. There are top 25 Historical Monuments located in Maharashtra.

8. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Victoria-Memorial-Hall

The Victoria Memorial Hall is located in the capital of West Bengal, Kolkata and dedicated to Queen Victoria. Victoria Memorial is one of the major tourist attraction of Kolkata and serves as a museum with great collection of manuscripts,paintings and sculptures of the British period.

9. Qutub Minar, Delhi

Qutub-Minar-Delhi

Qutab Minar of Delhi is one of the tallest and famous towers in the world and second tallest Minar in India. Complex of Qutb Minar is home to several historically monuments such as Tomb of Iltutmish, Iron pillar of Delhi and Alai Minar.

10. Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi

sanchi-stupa

The Buddhist vihara at Sanchi is also known as Great Stupa is one of the most famous Buddhist monument in India, located at Sanchi Town in Raisen District. Sanchi Stupa is one of the best preserved ancient Stupas in India, surrounded by four carved gateways.

Follow the link for other Heritage temples and group of monuments of India, leave us a comments or suggestion to improve the details and information, This article has been modified with latest search result of Indian monuments.

– 20 More Famous Historical Monuments of India

Here is the list of more famous Indian monuments along with Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur,Nalanda University,Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park,Rani ki Vav in Gujarat,Unakoti Rock Cut, Bhimbetka caves,Lothal and Agar Fort.

Gateway of India, Mumbai

Gateway-of- India-Mumbai

Gateway of India monument is a basalt arch structure and referred as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai. The structure is the city’s top tourist attraction and popular gathering spot for locals.

Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi

Humayuns-Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb of Delhi is managed by Archaeological survey of India and is an excellent example of Persian architecture. The tomb was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.

Charminar, Hyderabad

Charminar-Hyderabad

Charminar is the most popular monument and mosque in Hyderabad and listed among the most recognized structures of India also Charminar this landmark became a global icon of Hyderabad city.

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

Fatehpur-Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a ruin city situated on the bank of a large natural lake  in the Agra district. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best preserved collections of Indian Mughal architecture in India.

Ajanta Ellora Caves, Aurangabad

Ajanta_Caves_Maharashtra

Mahabalipuram Monuments

Mahabalipuram

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram along the Coromandel coast is famous for giant open-air rock reliefs such as the famous Descent of the Ganges and the Shore Temple with thousands of sculptures.

Khajuraho Monuments

Khajuraho-Group of-Monuments

Khajuraho Group of Monuments temples are famous for their architecture and style along with symbolism and their erotic sculptures. the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one of the most famous temple in Khajuraho.

Monuments at Hampi

Group_of_ Monuments_at_ Hampi

The extant monuments of Vijayanagara empire or Hampi was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during its prime time. Virupaksha Temple and several other monument are the part of Hampi world heritage site, listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi.

Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer-Hill-Fort

Great Living Chola Temples

Airavatesvara_Temple

Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram along with Brihadisvara Temple are the part of Great Living Chola Temples, built during the Chola rule in the south India.

Konark Sun Temple, Konark

Konark-Sun-Temple

Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO world heritage site in the shape of a gigantic chariot, having elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls, located at Konark in Odisha.

Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal

Durga_Temple-Aihole

Pattadakal is a world heritage site and Aihoḷe is a village having a historic temple complex in Karnataka, Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal-Banasankari-Mahakuta are the group of monuments tourism in the state.

Champaner Pavagadh, Gujarat

champaner_Gujarat

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is located around the historical city of Champaner and the park includes archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage monuments such as chalcolithic sites.

India Gate, Delhi

India_Gate_Delhi

India Gate war memorial at Rajpath is a distinctive landmarks of Delhi and a must visit place in India. The memorial is India’s most stunning historical monuments, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan

kumbhalgarh-fort-wall

Kumbhalgarh Fort at Rajsamand is the second most important hill fort of Royal Rajasthan after Chittorgarh fort in Chittorgarh town. The fort is part of World Heritage Site as Hill Forts of Rajasthan and has second largest wall in the world and known as Great Wall of India.

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

Meenakshi-Amman-Temple-Madurai

Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai is one of the most prominent landmark in India and also listed as top 30 nominees for the New Seven Wonders of the World. The temple is also the most popular and most visited tourist attraction in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

Basilica-of-Bom-Jesus

Basilica of Bom Jesus at old Goa is a World Heritage Site and oldest churches in India. The Basilica is more than 408 years old and one of the most popular Basilica church in India.

Bara Imambara, Lucknow

Bada-Imambara

Bara Imambara complex is the grandest buildings of Lucknow and includes a step,gateways, minar, a mosque and bhul-bhulaiya. Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara with Husainabad Clock Tower are the major tourist attractions in Lucknow.

Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh

Mahabat-Maqbara

Mahabat Maqbara at Junagadh is a lesser known tourist attractions in India and a beautiful mausoleum in Gujarat. This stunning mausoleum also called as Mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai built by the nawabs.

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

Golkonda Fort

Golconda Fort at Hyderabad is famous for its list of Monuments and the region is known for the diamond at Kollur Mine. The Ancient Monuments in Golconda includes gateways, drawbridges, temples, mosques and semicircular bastions. The list does not contains all the world heritage Cultural and Natural sites from India, these are the best monuments of India to experience Indian ancient and modern architect.

22 Comments

  • sam says:

    hello,r u from India or r u a foreigner. Do u know that there is a state called as karnataka and in the state there
    are two UNESCO world heritage sites by name HAMPI and BADAMI- IHOLE-PATTADAKAL. once again go thru history
    and give the facts.
    swamy.

  • premang raithatha says:

    aap kitne time se blogging kar rahe hai ????

  • nishims ranjan says:

    heiii thanx for updaiting me…plz give some more historucal place name in india…which i must visit…n thnx again

  • Legendary says:

    Hello please can you do the monuments of the world please please. I will be grateful if you do so. 😀

  • Mohan says:

    HISTORICAL MONUMENTS
    BUDDHIST CAVES –AJANTA

    INTRODUCTION

    Time stands still at Ajanta caves, the most mesmerizing
    cave temples of India. The renowned caves stand witness to a glorious history that has
    been etched in time forever. Mystical figures carved on the rock face narrate
    the legends of forgotten times for generations to come. That is the essence of
    the Ajanta-Ellora caves.

    Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is also a
    protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India. The caves hide
    within its hold, paintings and sculptures which are considered masterpieces
    around the globe. The Ajanta caves are a string of 30 caves, which were built
    in two phases between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD.

    HISTORY

    Like the other ancient Buddhist
    monasteries, Ajanta had a large emphasis on teaching, and was divided into
    several different caves for living, education and worship, under a central
    direction. Monks were probably assigned to specific caves for living. The
    layout reflects this organizational structure, with most of the caves only
    connected through the exterior. The 7th-century travelling Chinese scholar Xuanzang informs us that Dignaga, a celebrated Buddhist philosopher and
    controversialist, author of well-known books on logic, lived at Ajanta in the
    5th century. In its prime the settlement would have accommodated several
    hundred teachers and pupils. Many monks who had finished their first training
    may have returned to Ajanta during the monsoon season from an itinerant lifestyle.

    The caves are generally agreed
    to have been made in two distinct periods, separated by several centuries.

    ARCHITECTURE

    The monasteries mostly consist of vihara halls for
    prayer and living, which are typically rectangular with small square dormitory
    cells cut into the walls, and by the second period a shrine or sanctuary at the
    rear centred on a large statue of the Buddha, also carved from the living rock.
    This change reflects the movement from Hinayana to Mahāyāna Buddhism. The other
    type of main hall is the narrower and higher chaitya hall with a stupa as the
    focus at the far end, and a narrow aisle around the walls, behind a range of
    pillars placed close together. Other plainer rooms were for sleeping and other
    activities. Some of the caves have elaborate carved entrances, some with large
    windows over the door to admit light. There is often a colonnaded porch or verandah, with another space inside the doors running
    the width of the cave.

    The central square space of the interior of the viharas is defined
    by square columns forming a more or less square open area. Outside this are
    long rectangular aisles on each side, forming a kind of cloister. Along the side and rear walls are a number
    of small cells entered by a narrow doorway; these are roughly square, and have
    small niches on their back walls. Originally they had wooden doors.[48] The centre of the rear wall has a larger
    shrine-room behind, containing a large Buddha statue. The viharas of the
    earlier period are much simpler, and lack shrines.[49] Spink in fact places the change to a design
    with a shrine to the middle of the second period, with many caves being adapted
    to add a shrine in mid-excavation, or after the original phase.[50]

    IRON PILLAR-MEHRAULI

    INTRODUCTION

    The Iron Pillar located in Delhi,
    India, is a 7 m (23 ft) column in the Qutb
    complex, notable for the rust-resistant composition of the metals used
    in its construction.

    The
    pillar has attracted the attention of archaeologists and materials
    scientists and has
    been called “a testament to the skill of ancient Indian blacksmiths”
    because of its high resistance to corrosion.[1] The corrosion resistance results from an
    even layer of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate forming on the highphosphorus content iron, which serves to protect it
    from the effects of the local Delhi climate.[2]

    HISTORY

    Mehrauli, Which was earlier
    known as Mihirawali which means Home of Mihir, was founded by the King Mihir Bhoja
    of the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty. Mehrauli is one of the seven ancient cities.
    The pillar, with an idol of Garuda at the top, was originally located at a
    place called Vishnupadagiri (meaning
    “Vishnu-footprint-hill”). Vishnupadagiri is located at the tropic of cancer
    from where one can observe the sun rising in the east and setting in the west
    on spring and autumn equinox days. It was a centre of astronomical studies
    during the Gupta period. However in 1234 King Iltutmish (1210-36 AD) the third
    sultan of Delhi’s slave dynasty captured Udaygiri and transported the pillar to
    Delhi as part of his victory .

    The iron pillar of Delhi, India is a 7 meter (22 feet) high pillar in
    the Qutb complex which is notable for the composition of the metals used in its
    construction.

    In pillar there is a Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi script which states
    that it was erected as a standard in honour of Lord
    Vishnu. It also praises the qualities of a king referred to simply as Chandra,
    who has been identified with the Gupta King Chandragupta II Vikramaditya
    (375-413). The inscription reads (in the translation given in the tablets
    erected by Pandit Banke Rai in 1903):

    It has attracted the attention of many archaeologists and metallurgists
    as it has withstood corrosion for the last 1600 years, despite harsh weather.
    Its unusually good corrosion resistance appears to be due to a high phosphorus
    content, which together promotes the formation of a solid protective
    passivation layer of iron oxides and phosphates, rather than the
    non-protective, cracked rust layer that develops on most ironwork.

    ARCHITECTURE

    GOL GUMBAZ-BIJAPUR

    INTRODUCTION

    Gol Gumbaz or Gol Gumbadh, from Persian گل
    گنبذ Gol Gombadh meaning “round
    dome”,[1] is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur. The tomb,
    located in Bijapur, Karnataka in India, was completed in 1656 by the architect Yaqut of Dabul. Although
    “impressively simple in design”, it is the “structural triumph
    of Deccan architecture”.[2]

    HISTORY

    Gol Gumbaz is
    the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah which was constructed in the 17th century by the
    seventh ruler of Adilshahi dynasty. Gol
    Gumbaz is situated at Bijapur in Karnataka. The place is
    530 kilometers away from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka.

    Gol Gumbaz is a
    fine piece of Islamic architectural style. The Gol
    Gumbaz has a floor area of
    1700 square meter, a height of 51 meter and diameter of 37 meters with 3 meter
    thick walls. The construction of this large tomb took around 20 years to
    complete.

    Another significant feature of the Gol
    Gumbaz is its central dome which stands
    without the support of pillars. Also the central dome of Gol
    Gumbaz is the second largest dome in the world after the
    dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

    Gol Gumbaz has another amazing
    feature. Any sound at this place echoes for over eleven times. Moreover you can
    even hear the tick of a watch across a distance of 37 meter in the vast dome.
    You can enjoy the picturesque landscape of the region near Gol
    Gumbaz from its terrace which can be
    reached through the steps across the narrow passages.

    Apart from the burial chambers of Mohammed
    Adil Shah, his two wives, his mistress Ramba, his daughter and grandson, the
    complex of Gol
    Gumbaz also houses a mosque, a Naqqar Khana, a gateway and
    a dharamshala. The building in front of the Gol
    Gumbaz has been turned into a museum that contains all the
    history about the royal past related to Adilshah dynasty who constructed Gol
    Gumbaz.

    ARCHITECTURE

    The structure is composed of a cube,
    47.5 metres (156 ft) on each side, capped by a dome 44 m (144 ft) in external diameter. “Eight intersecting
    arches created by two rotated squares that create interlocking pendentives” support the dome. At each of the four corners of the cube, is a
    dome-capped octagonal tower seven stories high with a staircase inside.[2] The upper floor of each opens on to a round gallery which surrounds the
    dome. Inside the mausoleum hall, is a square podium with steps on each side. In
    the middle of the podium, a cenotaph slab on the ground marks the actual grave below, “the only instance
    of this practice” in the architecture of the Adil Shahi Dynasty. In the middle of the north side, “a large
    semi-octagonal bay” protrudes out.[2] With an area of 1,700 m2 (18,000 sq ft),[3] the mausoleum has one of the biggest single chamber spaces in the world.

    Running around the inside of the dome
    is the “Whispering Gallery” where even the softest sound can be heard
    on the other side of the mausoleum due to the acoustics of the space.

    KAMAKHYA TEMPLE-GUWAHATI

    INTRODUCTION

    The Kamakhya Temple (Assamese: কামাখ্যা মন্দিৰ) is a Hindu
    temple dedicated
    to the mother
    goddess Kamakhya, one
    of the oldest of the 51 Shakti
    Pitha.s,[2] Situated on the Nilachal Hill in western
    part of Guwahati city in Assam, India it is the main temple in a complex of
    individual temples dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas: Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi,Chinnamasta, Tripura
    Sundari, Tara, Kali, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Matangi and Kamala.[3]Among
    these, Tripurasundari, Matangi and Kamala reside inside the main temple whereas
    the other seven reside in individual temples.[4] It is an important pilgrimage destination
    for general Hindu and especially for Tantric worshipers.

    HISTORY

    The temple is situated a few kilometers away
    from the Guwahati Railway Station, and is open for visitors throughout the
    year. The exact date of the original temple is not known. It is believed that,
    the temple is an ancient temple. The Temple was rebuilt in 1665, after being
    destroyed by Muslim invaders. It was probably an ancient Khasi sacrificial
    site, sacrifices are still very much part of worship here. Group of devotees
    arrive each morning with goats to offer to Shakti. Although little is known
    about the early history of the temple, the first reference to the place has
    been traced back to the Allahabad inscriptions of Emperor Samudragupta.

    There is a legend attached to the history of the temple, which goes way back to
    the mythological age. According to the legend, Sati the wife of Lord Shiva (one
    of the holy Trinities in Hindu mythology) took her life at a ‘Yagna’ ceremony
    that had been organized by her father Daksha, because she could not bear the
    insults hurled at her husband by her father. On hearing the news of his wife’s
    death, Shiva, the destroyer of all that was evil flew into a rage and punished
    Daksha by replacing his head with that of a goat. Torn between misery and blind
    fury, Shiva picked up the corpse of his beloved wife Sati and performed a dance
    of destruction called the ‘Tandava’.

    ARCHITECTURE

    King Nara Narayana of Cooch Behar rebuilt the
    temple in 1665 after it had suffered destruction at the hands of foreign
    invaders. The temple consists of seven oval spires, each topped by three golden
    pitchers, and the entrance spirals down to a curvy path of some distance, which
    specially links the main road to the temple. Some of the sculptured panels of
    the temple carry depictions of Gods and Goddesses of Hindu pantheon carved in a
    delightful pattern. Tortoises, monkeys, and large number of pigeons have made
    the temple their home, and loiter around the premise, being fed by the temple
    authorities and the visitors. The cryptic, as well as the peaceful ambience of
    the temple combine together to soothe the nerves of visitors, and take their
    minds to flights of inner salvation, and this is the very reason that people
    come here for. Images of gods and goddesses of Hindu religion are carved on the
    walls. The image of the Goddess along with other deities is kept on a throne.

    The current temple structure was constructed in1565 by Chilarai of the Koch
    dynasty in the style of medieval temples. The form of the earlier structure,
    destroyed by the Kala Pahar, is unknown. The temple consists of three major
    chambers. The western chamber is large and rectangular and is not used by the
    general pilgrims for worship. The middle chamber is a square, with a small idol
    of the Goddess, a later addition. The walls of this chamber contain sculpted
    images of Naranarayana, related inscriptions and other gods. The middle chamber
    leads to the Sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the form of a cave, which
    consists of no image but a natural underground spring. The spring emanates from
    a fissure in a large rock that symbolizes a Yoni. In summertime the water runs
    red with iron oxide resembling menstrual fluid, an occasion for the Ambubasi
    festival. Though the temple is aligned facing east like most Hindu temples, the
    worship of the yoni is performed facing north.

    The Kamakhya Temple has a beehive like shikhara. Some of the sculptured section
    seen here are of interest. There are images of Ganesha, Chamundeswari, dancing
    features etc. The temple is a natural cave with a spring. Down a flight of
    steps to the bowel of earth, is located a dark, mysterious chamber. Here,
    draped with a silk sari and covered with flowers, is kept the “matra
    yoni”. There is no image of Shakti here. Within a corner of a cave in the
    temple, there is a sculptured image of the Yoni of the Goddess, which is the
    object of reverence. A natural spring keeps the stone moist. Other temples on
    the Neelachala hill include those of Tara, Bhairavi, Bhuvaneswari and
    Ghantakarna With all its enigmatic splendor and picturesque locale, the
    Kamakhya Temple is one of the most astounding structures, not only in Assam,
    but also in the whole of India.

    Durga Puja is celebrated here annually during Navaratri in the month of
    September- October. It is a three-day festival attracting several visitors. A
    unique festival observed here is the Ambuvaci (Ameti) fertility festival
    wherein it is believed that the Goddess (mother Earth) undergoes her menstrual
    period.

    ST.THOMAS BASILICA-CHENNAI

    INTRODUCTION

    San Thome Basilica is a Roman
    Catholic (Latin
    Rite) minor basilica in Santhome, in
    the city ofChennai (Madras), India. It
    was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, over the supposed tomb of St
    Thomas, an apostle of Jesus. In 1893, it was rebuilt as a church with the
    status of a cathedral by the British. The
    British version still stands today. It was designed in Neo-Gothic style, favoured by British architects in the late 19th century.

    HISTORY

    St Thomas built a church at
    San Thome. After his martyrdom, his body was buried in the Church built by him.
    A pot containing earth, moistened by his blood and the lance with which he was
    pierced were both buried in his tomb. The foundation for a new Church was laid
    on 2nd july 1523. The Church was rebuilt and erected as a Parish. Father
    Penteado from Portugal was the first Parish Priest. In 1893 His Excellency, Dom
    Henry Joseph Reed Da Silva, Bishop of Mylapore demolished the old Cathedral and
    laid the foundation for the new Basilica, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Day
    of the Episcopal Consecration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII. In this church the
    second tower, asmaller one, points to the exact place where the Apostle was
    buried. The new Basilica was constructed and consecrated on 1st April 1896 AD.
    The tip of the cross on the spire is 155 feet from the ground level. In this
    Church, the statue of our Lady of Mylapore is enthroned, before which St
    Francis Xavier prayed intensely for several days while he stayed in mylapore.

    The Bishop of Dacca
    consecrated a new bell on 9th may 1896, His Excellency, Dom A S Valente,
    Patriarch of the East Indies consecrated the main altar of the Cathedral. The
    Bishop of Mylapore consecrated the altar of Saints Peter and Paul on 29th
    June 1896 AD. Asun-dial from the old Cathedral is placed on the rear side
    of the Sacristy. This Cathedral Basilica is a matter of pride to the nation and
    to all of us, because it is built over the tomp of St Thomas. There are three
    Basilicas, all over the world, that are built over the tomb of the apostles.
    The first one is St peter’s Basilica in Rome, the second one on the tomb of St
    james, and the third one is the tomb chapel of St Thomas in San Thome Cathedral
    Basilica in chennai. The Cathedral Basilica was restored and consecrated on
    12th December 2004 by the Apostolic Nuncio His Excellency Archbishop Pedro
    Lopez Quintana and Cardinal Ivan Dias of Mumbai. On 8th September 2005 the
    present Archbishop of Madras Mylapore His Grace, Most Rev Dr A M Chinnappa SDB
    DD Ph D issued a decree officially elevating this Cathedral parish as a Shrine
    of the Archdioces

  • Sri Lakshmi says:

    BUDDHIST CAVES –AJANTA

    INTRODUCTION

    Time stands still at Ajanta caves, the most mesmerizing
    cave temples of India. The renowned caves stand witness to a glorious history that has
    been etched in time forever. Mystical figures carved on the rock face narrate
    the legends of forgotten times for generations to come. That is the essence of
    the Ajanta-Ellora caves.

    Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is also a
    protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India. The caves hide
    within its hold, paintings and sculptures which are considered masterpieces
    around the globe. The Ajanta caves are a string of 30 caves, which were built
    in two phases between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD.

    HISTORY

    Like the other ancient Buddhist
    monasteries, Ajanta had a large emphasis on teaching, and was divided into
    several different caves for living, education and worship, under a central
    direction. Monks were probably assigned to specific caves for living. The
    layout reflects this organizational structure, with most of the caves only
    connected through the exterior. The 7th-century travelling Chinese scholar Xuanzang informs us that Dignaga, a celebrated Buddhist philosopher and
    controversialist, author of well-known books on logic, lived at Ajanta in the
    5th century. In its prime the settlement would have accommodated several
    hundred teachers and pupils. Many monks who had finished their first training
    may have returned to Ajanta during the monsoon season from an itinerant lifestyle.

    The caves are generally agreed
    to have been made in two distinct periods, separated by several centuries.

    ARCHITECTURE

    The monasteries mostly consist of vihara halls for
    prayer and living, which are typically rectangular with small square dormitory
    cells cut into the walls, and by the second period a shrine or sanctuary at the
    rear centred on a large statue of the Buddha, also carved from the living rock.
    This change reflects the movement from Hinayana to Mahāyāna Buddhism. The other
    type of main hall is the narrower and higher chaitya hall with a stupa as the
    focus at the far end, and a narrow aisle around the walls, behind a range of
    pillars placed close together. Other plainer rooms were for sleeping and other
    activities. Some of the caves have elaborate carved entrances, some with large
    windows over the door to admit light. There is often a colonnaded porch or verandah, with another space inside the doors running
    the width of the cave.

    The central square space of the interior of the viharas is defined
    by square columns forming a more or less square open area. Outside this are
    long rectangular aisles on each side, forming a kind of cloister. Along the side and rear walls are a number
    of small cells entered by a narrow doorway; these are roughly square, and have
    small niches on their back walls. Originally they had wooden doors.[48] The centre of the rear wall has a larger
    shrine-room behind, containing a large Buddha statue. The viharas of the
    earlier period are much simpler, and lack shrines.[49] Spink in fact places the change to a design
    with a shrine to the middle of the second period, with many caves being adapted
    to add a shrine in mid-excavation, or after the original phase.[50]

    IRON PILLAR-MEHRAULI

    INTRODUCTION

    The Iron Pillar located in Delhi,
    India, is a 7 m (23 ft) column in the Qutb
    complex, notable for the rust-resistant composition of the metals used
    in its construction.

    The
    pillar has attracted the attention of archaeologists and materials
    scientists and has
    been called “a testament to the skill of ancient Indian blacksmiths”
    because of its high resistance to corrosion.[1] The corrosion resistance results from an
    even layer of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate forming on the highphosphorus content iron, which serves to protect it
    from the effects of the local Delhi climate.[2]

    HISTORY

    Mehrauli, Which was earlier
    known as Mihirawali which means Home of Mihir, was founded by the King Mihir Bhoja
    of the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty. Mehrauli is one of the seven ancient cities.
    The pillar, with an idol of Garuda at the top, was originally located at a
    place called Vishnupadagiri (meaning
    “Vishnu-footprint-hill”). Vishnupadagiri is located at the tropic of cancer
    from where one can observe the sun rising in the east and setting in the west
    on spring and autumn equinox days. It was a centre of astronomical studies
    during the Gupta period. However in 1234 King Iltutmish (1210-36 AD) the third
    sultan of Delhi’s slave dynasty captured Udaygiri and transported the pillar to
    Delhi as part of his victory .

    The iron pillar of Delhi, India is a 7 meter (22 feet) high pillar in
    the Qutb complex which is notable for the composition of the metals used in its
    construction.

    In pillar there is a Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi script which states
    that it was erected as a standard in honour of Lord
    Vishnu. It also praises the qualities of a king referred to simply as Chandra,
    who has been identified with the Gupta King Chandragupta II Vikramaditya
    (375-413). The inscription reads (in the translation given in the tablets
    erected by Pandit Banke Rai in 1903):

    It has attracted the attention of many archaeologists and metallurgists
    as it has withstood corrosion for the last 1600 years, despite harsh weather.
    Its unusually good corrosion resistance appears to be due to a high phosphorus
    content, which together promotes the formation of a solid protective
    passivation layer of iron oxides and phosphates, rather than the
    non-protective, cracked rust layer that develops on most ironwork.

    ARCHITECTURE

    GOL GUMBAZ-BIJAPUR

    INTRODUCTION

    Gol Gumbaz or Gol Gumbadh, from Persian گل
    گنبذ Gol Gombadh meaning “round
    dome”,[1] is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur. The tomb,
    located in Bijapur, Karnataka in India, was completed in 1656 by the architect Yaqut of Dabul. Although
    “impressively simple in design”, it is the “structural triumph
    of Deccan architecture”.[2]

    HISTORY

    Gol Gumbaz is
    the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah which was constructed in the 17th century by the
    seventh ruler of Adilshahi dynasty. Gol
    Gumbaz is situated at Bijapur in Karnataka. The place is
    530 kilometers away from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka.

    Gol Gumbaz is a
    fine piece of Islamic architectural style. The Gol
    Gumbaz has a floor area of
    1700 square meter, a height of 51 meter and diameter of 37 meters with 3 meter
    thick walls. The construction of this large tomb took around 20 years to
    complete.

    Another significant feature of the Gol
    Gumbaz is its central dome which stands
    without the support of pillars. Also the central dome of Gol
    Gumbaz is the second largest dome in the world after the
    dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

    Gol Gumbaz has another amazing
    feature. Any sound at this place echoes for over eleven times. Moreover you can
    even hear the tick of a watch across a distance of 37 meter in the vast dome.
    You can enjoy the picturesque landscape of the region near Gol
    Gumbaz from its terrace which can be
    reached through the steps across the narrow passages.

    Apart from the burial chambers of Mohammed
    Adil Shah, his two wives, his mistress Ramba, his daughter and grandson, the
    complex of Gol
    Gumbaz also houses a mosque, a Naqqar Khana, a gateway and
    a dharamshala. The building in front of the Gol
    Gumbaz has been turned into a museum that contains all the
    history about the royal past related to Adilshah dynasty who constructed Gol
    Gumbaz.

    ARCHITECTURE

    The structure is composed of a cube,
    47.5 metres (156 ft) on each side, capped by a dome 44 m (144 ft) in external diameter. “Eight intersecting
    arches created by two rotated squares that create interlocking pendentives” support the dome. At each of the four corners of the cube, is a
    dome-capped octagonal tower seven stories high with a staircase inside.[2] The upper floor of each opens on to a round gallery which surrounds the
    dome. Inside the mausoleum hall, is a square podium with steps on each side. In
    the middle of the podium, a cenotaph slab on the ground marks the actual grave below, “the only instance
    of this practice” in the architecture of the Adil Shahi Dynasty. In the middle of the north side, “a large
    semi-octagonal bay” protrudes out.[2] With an area of 1,700 m2 (18,000 sq ft),[3] the mausoleum has one of the biggest single chamber spaces in the world.

    Running around the inside of the dome
    is the “Whispering Gallery” where even the softest sound can be heard
    on the other side of the mausoleum due to the acoustics of the space.

    KAMAKHYA TEMPLE-GUWAHATI

    INTRODUCTION

    The Kamakhya Temple (Assamese: কামাখ্যা মন্দিৰ) is a Hindu
    temple dedicated
    to the mother
    goddess Kamakhya, one
    of the oldest of the 51 Shakti
    Pitha.s,[2] Situated on the Nilachal Hill in western
    part of Guwahati city in Assam, India it is the main temple in a complex of
    individual temples dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas: Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi,Chinnamasta, Tripura
    Sundari, Tara, Kali, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Matangi and Kamala.[3]Among
    these, Tripurasundari, Matangi and Kamala reside inside the main temple whereas
    the other seven reside in individual temples.[4] It is an important pilgrimage destination
    for general Hindu and especially for Tantric worshipers.

    HISTORY

    The temple is situated a few kilometers away
    from the Guwahati Railway Station, and is open for visitors throughout the
    year. The exact date of the original temple is not known. It is believed that,
    the temple is an ancient temple. The Temple was rebuilt in 1665, after being
    destroyed by Muslim invaders. It was probably an ancient Khasi sacrificial
    site, sacrifices are still very much part of worship here. Group of devotees
    arrive each morning with goats to offer to Shakti. Although little is known
    about the early history of the temple, the first reference to the place has
    been traced back to the Allahabad inscriptions of Emperor Samudragupta.

    There is a legend attached to the history of the temple, which goes way back to
    the mythological age. According to the legend, Sati the wife of Lord Shiva (one
    of the holy Trinities in Hindu mythology) took her life at a ‘Yagna’ ceremony
    that had been organized by her father Daksha, because she could not bear the
    insults hurled at her husband by her father. On hearing the news of his wife’s
    death, Shiva, the destroyer of all that was evil flew into a rage and punished
    Daksha by replacing his head with that of a goat. Torn between misery and blind
    fury, Shiva picked up the corpse of his beloved wife Sati and performed a dance
    of destruction called the ‘Tandava’.

    ARCHITECTURE

    King Nara Narayana of Cooch Behar rebuilt the
    temple in 1665 after it had suffered destruction at the hands of foreign
    invaders. The temple consists of seven oval spires, each topped by three golden
    pitchers, and the entrance spirals down to a curvy path of some distance, which
    specially links the main road to the temple. Some of the sculptured panels of
    the temple carry depictions of Gods and Goddesses of Hindu pantheon carved in a
    delightful pattern. Tortoises, monkeys, and large number of pigeons have made
    the temple their home, and loiter around the premise, being fed by the temple
    authorities and the visitors. The cryptic, as well as the peaceful ambience of
    the temple combine together to soothe the nerves of visitors, and take their
    minds to flights of inner salvation, and this is the very reason that people
    come here for. Images of gods and goddesses of Hindu religion are carved on the
    walls. The image of the Goddess along with other deities is kept on a throne.

    The current temple structure was constructed in1565 by Chilarai of the Koch
    dynasty in the style of medieval temples. The form of the earlier structure,
    destroyed by the Kala Pahar, is unknown. The temple consists of three major
    chambers. The western chamber is large and rectangular and is not used by the
    general pilgrims for worship. The middle chamber is a square, with a small idol
    of the Goddess, a later addition. The walls of this chamber contain sculpted
    images of Naranarayana, related inscriptions and other gods. The middle chamber
    leads to the Sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the form of a cave, which
    consists of no image but a natural underground spring. The spring emanates from
    a fissure in a large rock that symbolizes a Yoni. In summertime the water runs
    red with iron oxide resembling menstrual fluid, an occasion for the Ambubasi
    festival. Though the temple is aligned facing east like most Hindu temples, the
    worship of the yoni is performed facing north.

    The Kamakhya Temple has a beehive like shikhara. Some of the sculptured section
    seen here are of interest. There are images of Ganesha, Chamundeswari, dancing
    features etc. The temple is a natural cave with a spring. Down a flight of
    steps to the bowel of earth, is located a dark, mysterious chamber. Here,
    draped with a silk sari and covered with flowers, is kept the “matra
    yoni”. There is no image of Shakti here. Within a corner of a cave in the
    temple, there is a sculptured image of the Yoni of the Goddess, which is the
    object of reverence. A natural spring keeps the stone moist. Other temples on
    the Neelachala hill include those of Tara, Bhairavi, Bhuvaneswari and
    Ghantakarna With all its enigmatic splendor and picturesque locale, the
    Kamakhya Temple is one of the most astounding structures, not only in Assam,
    but also in the whole of India.

    Durga Puja is celebrated here annually during Navaratri in the month of
    September- October. It is a three-day festival attracting several visitors. A
    unique festival observed here is the Ambuvaci (Ameti) fertility festival
    wherein it is believed that the Goddess (mother Earth) undergoes her menstrual
    period.

    ST.THOMAS BASILICA-CHENNAI

    INTRODUCTION

    San Thome Basilica is a Roman
    Catholic (Latin
    Rite) minor basilica in Santhome, in
    the city ofChennai (Madras), India. It
    was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, over the supposed tomb of St
    Thomas, an apostle of Jesus. In 1893, it was rebuilt as a church with the
    status of a cathedral by the British. The
    British version still stands today. It was designed in Neo-Gothic style, favoured by British architects in the late 19th century.

    HISTORY

    St Thomas built a church at
    San Thome. After his martyrdom, his body was buried in the Church built by him.
    A pot containing earth, moistened by his blood and the lance with which he was
    pierced were both buried in his tomb. The foundation for a new Church was laid
    on 2nd july 1523. The Church was rebuilt and erected as a Parish. Father
    Penteado from Portugal was the first Parish Priest. In 1893 His Excellency, Dom
    Henry Joseph Reed Da Silva, Bishop of Mylapore demolished the old Cathedral and
    laid the foundation for the new Basilica, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Day
    of the Episcopal Consecration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII. In this church the
    second tower, asmaller one, points to the exact place where the Apostle was
    buried. The new Basilica was constructed and consecrated on 1st April 1896 AD.
    The tip of the cross on the spire is 155 feet from the ground level. In this
    Church, the statue of our Lady of Mylapore is enthroned, before which St
    Francis Xavier prayed intensely for several days while he stayed in mylapore.

    The Bishop of Dacca
    consecrated a new bell on 9th may 1896, His Excellency, Dom A S Valente,
    Patriarch of the East Indies consecrated the main altar of the Cathedral. The
    Bishop of Mylapore consecrated the altar of Saints Peter and Paul on 29th
    June 1896 AD. Asun-dial from the old Cathedral is placed on the rear side
    of the Sacristy. This Cathedral Basilica is a matter of pride to the nation and
    to all of us, because it is built over the tomp of St Thomas. There are three
    Basilicas, all over the world, that are built over the tomb of the apostles.
    The first one is St peter’s Basilica in Rome, the second one on the tomb of St
    james, and the third one is the tomb chapel of St Thomas in San Thome Cathedral
    Basilica in chennai. The Cathedral Basilica was restored and consecrated on
    12th December 2004 by the Apostolic Nuncio His Excellency Archbishop Pedro
    Lopez Quintana and Cardinal Ivan Dias of Mumbai. On 8th September 2005 the
    present Archbishop of Madras Mylapore His Grace, Most Rev Dr A M Chinnappa SDB
    DD Ph D issued a decree officially elevating this Cathedral parish as a Shrine
    of the Archdioces

  • muntadev2in says:

    very interesting thanks for great information which helped my 8th class kid

  • Thanks for sharing great info.You can also add other historical monuments like charminar of hyderabad,qutub minar etc and make it more informative.

  • hanks for your kind information about the understand this facet of the city.

  • onkar says:

    thanx wti (walk through india)

  • thanks for sharing this post with us

  • famous monuments says:

    Thank you for information about famous monuments in India.

  • Amit says:

    Very nice and interesting article, keep it up…

  • Best places to go in India, thank for sharing this information

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