The Architecture and Treasures of India

Introduction

Indian landscapes are fantastically varied as its cultural traditions, from the snow-dusted peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-splashed beaches of the tropical south. Among all these natural treasures is a wealth of architectural gems, from serene temples rising out of pancake-flat plains to crumbling forts peering over plunging ravines. And the formidable city parades heralding auspicious religious events to simple village harvest fairs coupled with the unique Indian cuisines makes India unrivalled.

Delhi

Delhi is a city built upon cities. There are at least eight historical cities each constructed on, or near, the ruins of its predecessor, leaving a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments, many said to be haunted by djinns (spirits). Love history and you'll be left salivating as you trace your way through the eras, clambering across the ruined forts of Tughlaqabad, Siri, Purana Qila and Shajahanabad. Delhi has served as the capital seat for various empires. Capital city has undergone various reformations particularly during the medieval period. Modern Delhi comprises of several cities and it is divided in two namely, Old Delhi and New Delhi.

Old Delhi

Formerly known as Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi was formed by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1639. It remained the capital of the Mughals, till the end of the Mughal rule. Since ancient times, the city has been known for housing exquisitely designed mosques, beautiful gardens, and magnificent mansions for the royal families. Though this part of Delhi has become extremely crowded, yet it symbolizes the heart of Delhi.

New Delhi

The remarkable Indian Capital was designed by the British architect Edwin Lutyens with streets named after him. It has a pleasant contrast to the twisted streets of Old Delhi. Enriched with history and culture, the impressive avenues and imperial buildings of New Delhi are among the list of attractions. Humayun’s Tomb, Gandhi Ji's Delhi home, the site where he was assassinated are all located in New Delhi that draws many tourists every year. Akshardham Temple, India Gate and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib are some of the other attractions.

Monuments in Delhi

Humayun Tomb - Get immersed into the rich history of medieval Delhi as you walk through the Humayun Tomb. It is a thrilling experience for history buffs. Explore the garden complex and see the historical structures including Bu Hamida’s tomb, Afsarwala tomb and the royal barber’s tomb. The tour starts at 08:00 am and will continue till 10:00 am.

The Mughal Dynasty has gifted India with some of the most striking monuments. Even today, they stand tall in all their grandeur, gleaming under the sun. Delhi, the capital city of the country has its own share of architectural brilliance scattered throughout its territory.

Red fort

Founded by Emperor Shah Jahan and surrounded by a magnificent 18m-high wall, this fort took 10 years to construct (1638–48) and is rumoured to have had the decapitated bodies of prisoners built into the foundations for luck. It once overlooked the Yamuna River, which has now shrunk to some distance away. A tree-lined waterway, known as nahr-i-bihisht (river of paradise), once ran out of the fort and along Chandni Chowk, fed by the Yamuna.

Qutub Minar

The Qutab Minar that gives the complex its name is an unmissable, soaring Afghan-style victory tower and minaret, erected by sultan Qutub-ud-din in 1193 to proclaim his supremacy over the vanquished Hindu rulers of Qila Rai Pithora. Ringed by intricately carved sandstone bands bearing verses from the Quran, the tower stands nearly 73m high and tapers from a 15m-diameter base to a mere 2.5m at the top

India Gate

This imposing 42m-high stone memorial arch was designed by Lutyens in 1921. It pays tribute to around 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in WWI, the Northwest Frontier operations and the 1919 Anglo-Afghan War.

Agra

The magical allure of the Taj Mahal is still resembling the wonderful architecture of Mughal Empire. The legacy of the Mughal empire has left a magnificent fort and a liberal sprinkling of fascinating tombs and mausoleums, and there’s also fun to be had in the bustling chowks (marketplaces). Agra straddles a large bend along the holy Yamuna River. The fort and the Taj, 2 km apart, both overlook the river on different parts of the bend. Under the Mughal reign Agra was called Akbarabad and was ruled by greats like Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, etc. Their love for architecture, gardens and art and culture added a new dimension to Agra’s personality. From Persian gardens on the banks of the Yamuna to monuments and mausoleums, Agra’s golden age started during their rule.

Taj Mahal

The Taj was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Construction of the Taj began in 1631, although the main building is thought to have been built in eight years, the whole complex was not completed until 1653. Not long after it was finished, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in Agra Fort, where for the rest of his days he could only gaze out at his creation through a window. Following his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here alongside his beloved Mumtaz. In total, some 20,000 people from India and Central Asia worked on the building. Specialists were brought in from as far away as Europe to produce the exquisite marble screens and pietra dura (marble inlay work) made with thousands of semiprecious stones.

The Taj was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Agra Fort

With the Taj Mahal overshadowing it, one can easily forget that Agra has one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Walking through courtyard after courtyard of this palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress, your amazement grows as the scale of what was built here begins to sink in.

Construction along the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 on the site of an earlier fort. Further additions were made, particularly by his grandson Shah Jahan, using his favourite building material – white marble. The fort was built primarily as a military structure, but Shah Jahan transformed it into a palace, and later it became his gilded prison for eight years after his son Aurangzeb seized power in 1658.

Jaipur

Jaipur, popular as “Pink City”, is known for housing some of the best architectural structures and heritage sights of the country. Everything in and around the city appears like the watermark of the rich heritage of the city in the erstwhile days. The local handicrafts, the ancient monuments, the Royal Palaces and the colorful saris, everything around Jaipur give a glimpse into the glorious lives of monarchy.

The city is named after its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II. His rivalry with rulers of Mewar, Sisodia Rajputs formed his alliance with Mughals and gave him importance in Rajasthan. He ruled from Amber Fort and took over Mewar (Udaipur) and Marwar (Jodhpur) kingdoms.

The City Palace continues to house the former royal family; the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory, maintains a heavenly aspect; and the honeycomb Hawa Mahal gazes on the bazaar below. And just out of sight, in the arid hill country surrounding the city, is the fairy-tale grandeur of Amber Fort.

Amber Fort

Amber Fort in Jaipur is a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built over a period of two centuries. From the base one can either walk up or ride a caparisoned elephant. Ready to be completely overawed by the magnificence of the grand fort. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort-palace. Built in 1592 by Man Singh its walls depict painted scenes of hunting with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake with breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort-Palace. The Kachhwajas built the Amber palace when they rose in eminence and power under the Mughals. Man-Singh I built it in a style to rival Mughal grandeur and opulence.

The City Palace

A complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the impressive City Palace is right in the centre of the Old City. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh II, but within it the palace has been enlarged and adapted over the centuries. There are palace buildings from different eras, some dating from the early 20th century. It is a striking meld of both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture brilliance.