India boasts some of the world’s most fascinating historical landmarks, from the iconic Taj Mahal to General Dyer’s prison where freedom fighters were executed; among these spots are:
Humayun’s Tomb is a stunning blend of Indian and Persian architecture commissioned by Hamida Banu Begum, Emperor Humayun’s wife in the 15th century.
Red Fort
Red Fort is one of India’s premier historical landmarks and an exquisite example of Mughal architecture, which draws influence from Persian, European and Indian styles. Comprised of palaces, gardens and halls such as Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas where Emperor Aurangzeb would hear complaints from his subjects or hold private meetings, this architectural marvel is one of its signature landmarks.
Attractions at Fort Jahan include the stunning Mumtaz Mahal, built of white marble and decorated with floral motifs. In addition, there was also the Royal Bath, Mosque and Palatial Apartments within this fort complex.
Today, it has become a highly visited tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site. On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Indian flag here, signifying its independence from British rule. Visitors can experience India’s rich culture and history here.
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar stands as one of the tallest brick minarets and one of the world’s oldest monuments; designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, its legacy represents architectural grandeur, historical echoes, and cultural pluralism.
The Minar contains an abundance of historical information. While its construction is often credited to Qutbuddin Aibak, who served as first ruler of the Muslim Mamluk dynasty, Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq were actually responsible for its completion.
Notable are the third and fourth floors of this tower with protruding balconies adorned with stalactite brackets. Following an earthquake in 1828, Major Robert Smith of the British army installed a cupola atop the fifth floor Minar which has come to be known as ‘Smith’s Folly’.
Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz or Round Dome, is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, 7th Sultan of Bijapur in Karnataka. Construction on this magnificent edifice took 30 years, but its simple yet charming design represents Bijapur’s architectural brilliance perfectly.
The tomb is composed of four giant cubes on each side topped by an enormous dome. Within its mausoleum lies an internal staircase known as the Whispering Gallery that circles this enormous dome – so-named because even faint voices can be heard across it thanks to its incredible acoustics.
At the center of the tomb is the cenotaph of Sultan Husain, where he was laid to rest along with his wives, mistresses and daughter. A wooden canopy covers his cenotaph; furthermore, this monument is well known for its acoustics as one of the world’s largest single chamber structures.
Fatehpur City
Fatehpur City provides an insight into India’s past through its magnificent palaces and charming mosques, with architecture reflecting Hindu, Islamic, and Buddhist influences. Furthermore, this city is famous for its vibrant local culture and traditions.
History of this city is intertwined with that of Mughal Emperor Akbar, who decided to establish it as the capital for his empire – though only for 10 years.
Walls of this citadel are decorated with exquisitely-carved structures. One of its most iconic landmarks, Buland Darwaza – the tallest gateway in the world and an iconic symbol of victory over enemies – stands out. However, this place holds special meaning as Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar with Jahangir was known to reside here.
Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh, situated near Golden Temple in Amritsar, witnessed a massacre in 1919. Now designated a national site with memorial monuments and galleries dedicated to General Dyer’s ruthlessness in terms of firepower, this 6.5-acre public garden remains as an area of national importance, featuring memorial monuments commemorating this tragedy as well as wells into which many fled.
Jallianwala Bagh’s significance lay in revealing the dark underbelly of British rule to subjugated Indian populations, shattering any notions that they could trust the British to govern equitably and fairly – fuelling India’s independence movement further.
One of the park’s most prominent features is Amar Jawan Stambha (Eternal Flame Pillar), an Amar Jawan Stambha of 45-foot stainless steel with an eternal flame that burns day and night to honor martyrs. It was inaugurated by President Rajendra Prasad in 1961.
