India is home to many historical places that are revered worldwide. These magnificent structures showcase tales of strength, romance and bravery from their history books.
The Taj Mahal, constructed in ivory by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an ivory mausoleum to honor his beloved wife, is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
1. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic historical structures, was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife Mumtaz in white marble mausoleum construction by Mughal architects as a sign of love. A true masterpiece, its construction signified love between husband and wife as it became one of their signature architectural pieces.
The Taj Mahal was constructed using various materials, such as brick and sandstone, as well as precious stones such as carnelians, jaspers, opals and pearls – with over 1,000 elephants used to transport these magnificent semiprecious gems from Agra during its construction.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal draws millions of tourists every year – but their number is having an adverse effect on its structure due to pollution-emitting vehicles and careless visitors entering.
2. Red Fort
The Taj Mahal in Agra and Red Fort in Delhi are two of India’s most iconic national monuments. Along with Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Sun Temple Konark and Hampi they are all recognized by UNESCO World Heritage as World Heritage sites.
The Red Fort is famous for its extravagant architecture, which fuses Persian and European styles. The complex houses numerous palaces including Rang Mahal used by an emperor’s concubines and Khas Mahal, his personal residence.
During the Rebellion of 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar rallied his followers from its site during his rebellion. Additionally, it served as the venue of INA trials — courts-martial for officers of the Indian National Army — held there. Today, Red Fort serves as an icon of India’s independence while providing a platform to celebrate and reclaim cultural identity from British rule.
3. Meenakshi Temple
Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is revered nationwide as an embodiment of female power and beauty. Vishalakshi, Vishalakshi Devi of Varanasi and Kamakshi from Kanchipuram represent these three powerful goddesses with mesmerizing eyes who symbolize beauty through their mesmeric gazes.
Every year millions of pilgrims visit this shrine to pay their respects to Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar, as well as witness the 10-day Navarathri festival that takes place here.
Khajuraho was once home to the erstwhile capital of the Chandela dynasty between 950 AD and 1050 AD, serving as its seat from between 950 to 1050. Famous for its elaborate temple complexes featuring exquisite sculptures that showcase Nagara-style medieval Indian architecture, this incredible site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
4. Hampi
Hampi was an active capital during the 14th century when Vijayanagara empire flourished, leaving behind numerous temples and architectural masterpieces as its legacy. One such landmark is the Virupaksha temple with an intriguing tale behind its construction: according to legend, two Kampili chiefs named Hakka and Bukka Raya who were students of Swami Vidyaranya built it after experiencing something peculiar on one of their hunting expeditions and reporting back.
Vijayanagara was established when their guru ordered them to move their base from Hampi to Vijayanagara near Hampi and thus the name Vijayanagara was given. Unfortunately, this place’s beauty gradually declined with the fall of its patron dynasty in 1565 and ultimately fell into ruin; but even today Vijayanagara still retains an alluring charm that draws visitors in.
5. India Gate
India Gate, situated near Karthvya Path on Delhi’s ceremonial axis Rajpath and designed by Edwin Lutyens, is one of the most visited historical landmarks in North India’s capital city. A 42-meter structure often compared to Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, this memorialized 42 meters honoring 90,000 soldiers of British Indian Army who sacrificed themselves during World War One; also inscribed are INDIA and MCMXIV (1914) along with 13,516 names who died along its length during Afghanistan War conflict – truly monumental structures worth exploring!
There is also a domed canopy on top, inspired by 18th century Mahabalipuram pavilion, that serves as an important gathering point for Republic Day parade. At this event, defence technology advancements can be highlighted.
