India boasts an expansive history, and past rulers have left behind their mark by building monuments that draw tourists from around the globe.
Qutub Minar, constructed to commemorate North India’s inaugural Muslim kingdom, stands 240 ft tall and features five unique storeys that house Quwwat-Ul-Islam Masjid (India’s inaugural mosque).
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar stands as one of the iconic landmarks of Delhi, stunning visitors for centuries with its architectural and historical splendor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar has served as an inspiration for artists and filmmakers.
Qutub Minar is an amazing monument, representing Indian architecture from its transition from cut-paste to true arches, use of Hindu motifs in Islamic architecture, and an incredible blend between both styles. Four Sultans from Delhi Sultanate – Qutub ud-Din Aibak, Iltutmish, Alauddin Khilji and Firoz Shah Tughlaq all made contributions to its construction, renovating or expanding previous structures while at other times creating something entirely novel.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Over a millennia ago, religious ascetics lived in a network of 30 caves containing temples, monasteries and worship halls crafted out of rock. There they painted exquisite wall-paintings which remain among the greatest examples of ancient Indian art today.
Cave 16 stands out for its exquisite paintings depicting Kailasanatha Temple dedicated to Shiva. It features intricate details depicting its surroundings & depicts this stunning monument of beauty in every aspect.
Ellora Caves display the remarkable harmony between Buddhist, Brahmanism and Jainism architectural styles. Caves 1-12 represent Buddhist philosophy while Caves 13-24 feature Jainist symbols.
Fatehpur Sikri
Although Agra is best-known for the Taj Mahal, there is another UNESCO World Heritage site nearby worth seeing – Fatehpur Sikri was built during the 16th century as Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s capital for 14 years – this UNESCO site should not be overlooked!
Akbar, Mughal Emperor of India, named this city after Sufi Saint Salim Chishti to commemorate him and show his devotion. Akbar had an affinity for using architecture to express his values and ideals.
Fatehpur Sikri is remarkable for its amalgamation of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic styles, evidenced by its blend of architectural styles such as Jhalras and L-shaped baolis which demonstrate how indo-Islamic architecture wasn’t limited solely to religious institutions – an essential feature of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz was created to commemorate Adil Shahi Dynasty ruler No. 7, situated in Karnataka. The mausoleum’s architecture draws upon Deccan Islamic style architecture; its tomb is composed of a giant cube surmounted by a massive hemispherical dome – this project took nearly 20 years for completion.
It stands erect without being supported by any pillars and is also the second-largest dome in the world! A marvel to behold and an incredible acoustic marvel; even whispered words echo back seven times through its walls!
Muhammad Adil Shah’s real burial chamber can be found under this enormous dome, along with his two wives and Rambha (his dancing girl mistress) along with their grandson. This tomb is an exquisite example of Islamic architecture.
Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort stands as an emblematic monument to India’s rich history through its magnificent palaces, towers, and temples. Each corner of this extraordinary fort speaks volumes about our kings’ war efforts as well as their selfless sacrifices – each piece tells their own tale.
Fort Alauddin Khilji took control of it from its original Guhila Rajput Dynasty owners but eventually taken over by Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji, and Rani Padmini and her friends committed mass self-immolation (Jauhar) here to avoid being raped or becoming his slaves. Additionally, its Gaumukh reservoir is sacred to goddess Kalika Mata; plus numerous beautiful temples including Meera Temple can also be found there.
Jaipur
Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is home to epic forts that provide spectacular vantage points of its magnificent Hawa Mahal – with 953 small windows resembling honeycomb latticework that creates a striking look reminiscent of honeycombs. Plan your visit early morning in order to witness this masterpiece under golden sunlight!
Jaipur’s rulers were devout Vaishnavites, yet their relationships with God extended further than that. Sawai Pratap Singh considered Krishna his playmate and friend; therefore he built the Brijnandji Temple near City Palace to celebrate him.
Jaipur stands as an epicenter for Rajasthani culture while simultaneously reflecting India’s diverse heritage – something evident at Johari Bazaar and Tripolia Bazar markets.
