subject: Popular Monuments In India [print this page] Monuments in India before 1000 AD can be categorized into different regions of India like North, South, Deccan and East. There are many monuments which were built with the best architecture and technology before 1000 AD, which is still a mystery.
How those ancient architects were able to do and how did they complete the work without the todays technology is a question mark for todays architects.
There are many monuments in North India, to name a few Taj Mahal, qutub minar, Pratiharas in Rajasthan, Sanchi Stupa, etc. Also there are various great monuments in South India that are popular for their art, architecture and beauty.
These Monuments gives all a clear view of All about India and on how Indian architecture was and how ancient people adored art as one of their main hobbies. Creating monuments were though one of their hobbies, it was also built as a remembrance and in memories of instances that took place during their period.
Lets see few monuments in this section.
Taj Mahal - Agra
Taj Mahal fulfills the list of Seven Wonders of the World. This was built by the King named Shajahan for his wife Mumtaj. This is not a palace, but this is tomb where Shajahan built on his Wifes tomb. Shajahan had so great love and affection which motivated him to build this monument.
It is said that Shajahan cut of the architects thumb, so that he wont build any other monument like this. And still now there is no other monument which could compete with Taj Mahal and beauty. This monument was furnished with Marbles, granites and colorful stones and ornamental things.
Taj Mahal jewels with most precious gems and stones, which were not found in many places. It is does have many architectural facts which need to be seen, felt and dreamt. Taj Mahal is a most privileged Monument in India which is situated on the banks of River Yamuna and in the town called Agra.
Sanchi Stupa - Madhya Pradesh
Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist Temple, which was built in 3rd BC. This is situated in the place called Sanchi, in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is the main portion of India. The Word Sanchi means Mould of Stones.
This is said to be originally started by Ashoka the Great. The Stupas found here was destroyed using the method called Vandalism. Stupa means Symbolism and meaning.
This symbolizes the event in the Buddha Life. This Stupa has five parts each one represents some quality of Buddhism. This Monument has been modified by various kings according to their time and religion.
The re-construction of this monument was started in the 18th century however it took more than a century to restart the restoration and was completed in the 19th Century. Sanchi Stupa was added to the UNESCO world Heritage Site in 1989.
The architecture of Indian monuments was outstanding and excellent. These monuments though were related to religion directly or indirectly, the construction and the method used to construct these monuments were of high technology and incomparable architecture.
Golconda Hyderabad
Golconda is a town in Hyderabad, which is situated in Central Part of India. Golconda is recognized for its diamond. The famous Koh-I-Noor diamond and Hope diamond was said to be cut from gemstones found here.
Golconda is built on hill, which is composed of granites. This stood as high as 91m. This fort was first built by a Hindu King on finding of an Idol by a shepherd boy. Later this place was built by three kings of Qutb Shahi Kings. The builders built this place with great sense of architecture, with having concentrated on sound.
This fort is built such way that if hands are clapped at the fort gate or portico, the sound could be heard at the top of the palacefort. This shows one of the best architectural methods were used without any modern devices.
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple - Chennai
Mahabalipuram is a small town which is 60 kms from the Chennai City in Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram was then known as Mamallapuram, which means great wrestler. This name was given to this twon by Narashimavarman 1.
This town has been an active port and busy port during the dawn of Christian era. This was within the Kancheepuram dynasty which was ruled by the Pal lavas. Evidence of ancient Rome and China having done their business and merchandise can be proved with the Chinese and Romanian coins which were found by the archeologist.
These coins date back to 4th century which also shows that this port has been an active hub and port for the merchants. The architecture from Mahabalipuram makes us to drop our jaws and think for while, how this could have been done.
Some of the temples and caves in Mahabalipuram are carved from single piece of Rock. This is one of an example which shows the proficiency of Ancient Indian Architecture.
