7 Architectural Wonders of India

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 India has been the centre of the world for too long in the ancient past. Few of world's most important religions have originated from India. Buddhism was once the dominating religion in India and Buddhist monasteries and stupas were built all over India before it eventually spread to other countries. Around 8th century AD, with the advent of Shankaracharya, Hinduism revived and it saw many Hindu rulers including Pallavas and Cholas building architectural wonders. Rajputs built various magnificent hill forts in Rajasthan to protect their own areas. After the invasion from Muslim rulers in the 11th century, India for the first time saw influences from the middle east, with Afghan and Persian architectural designs mixing with the exiting Indian styles.  Mughals ensured that India has some of the finest Islamic architecture in India. Portuguese, French, Dutch and Britishers later attacked India, leaving their footprints with various churches and influences from the European style of monuments.

India has been a land of architectural marvels and here is our list of 7 wonders of architecture in India. 

1. Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Part of the 7 wonders of the world, this list had to start with Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built in a span of 22 years in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. Taj Mahal displays a combination of Hindu and Indo-Islamic architecture. Huge white marble terrace on which rests the famous white marble dome, flanked by four tapering minarets. Within the dome lies the jewel-inlaid cenotaph of the deceased queen.

Agra Travel Guide

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh: 1st Wonder of the world

The grandeur of Taj Mahal
(Image courtesy: Mayank Goel)

 

2  Nalanda Ruins, Nalanda, Bihar

N?land? was an ancient centre of higher learning in Bihar, India. The University of Nalanda is located in the Indian state of Bihar and was a Buddhist centre of learning. The great library of Nalanda University was so vast that it is reported to have burned for three months after the invaders set fire to it, ransacked and destroyed the monasteries, and drove the monks from the site. 

Nalanda, Bihar: Oldest University India, architecture in india

Ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, Bihar (Image Courtesy: Vyzasatya)

Nalanda, Bihar: Nalanda ruins, architecture in india

Another view of Nalanda university (Image courtesy: Arunava de Sarkar)

3. Galden Namgey Lhatse, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is the largest monastery in India. It was founded near the small town in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. It is very close to the Tibetan border, in the valley of the Tawang-chu which flows down from Tibet. The monastery is also known in Tibetan as Galden Namgey Lhatse, which translates to Celestial paradise in a clear night.

Tawang Tourism

Tawang Monastery, architecture in india

8 m tall statue of Shakyamuni (Image courtesy: appji)

4. Ruins of Vijaynagar Empire, Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi. The Vithala temple complex at Hampi in state of Karnataka has 56 musical pillars, which are constructed such that when stuck, each one emits a unique musical tone. The Virupaksha temple, site of the ancient city of Vijaynagar, is the main centre of pilgrimage at Hampi. It has three towers, which rise to a height of 160 feet and are nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century.

Hampi Travel Guide

Achyutaraya Temple, Hampi, architecture in india

Achyutaraya Temple, Hampi, Karnataka (Source)

5. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

The Surya  mandir (sun-temple) of Konark, derived from the words Kona (Corner) and Arka (Sun), is known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple and two lions guard the entry, crushing the elephants.

Konark Travel Guide

Konark, Odisha: architecture in india

Sun Temple, Konark Courtesy: Sujit Kumar

 

Konark , Odisha: full view of Sun temple

Panoramic View of the complex (Image Courtesy: Alok Prasad)

6. The Iron Pillar, Delhi

Dating back to the 4th century A.D., the Iron pillar of Delhi bears Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi script which states that it was erected in the honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu and in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II. It highlights ancient India's achievements in metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 percent wrought iron and has stood more than 1600 years without rusting or decomposing. The pillar is 7 meters high and 17 inches in diameter at the base and 12 inches in diameter at the top. It might not be the most beautiful architectural  monument in India, but it sure is one of the wonders of India

Delhi Travel Guide


 
Iron pillar Delhi: Architecture in India

Details on the top of the pillar (Image courtesy: Dennis Jarvis)

7. Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Ajanta Caves, thirty in number were made in 2nd century BC. The themes are religious and centred around Buddha. Paintings are done on ground of mud-plaster. Ellora caves are rock-cut shrines representing three different faiths, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, known for their striking proportion, elaborate workmanship, architectural content and sculptural ornamentation. Both Ajanta and Ellora Caves are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are one the most exotic caves of India depicting India's architectural brilliance in the past.

 

Ajanta Caves - architectural monuments of India

Ajanta Caves (Source)

 

Ellora caves, monuments of India

Kailash Temple, Ellora (Source)

Aurangabad Travel Guide

How did you like our list of these 7 beautiful architectural monuments in India? If you think any particular heritage structure should have been included in this, leave your thoughts in the comments

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