RSSIndia is a land of cultural diversity that has managed to preserve its time-honored traditions while absorbing new customs, trends and ideas from invaders and immigrants. This fusion of culture is quite evident in languages, festivals, cuisines and attires of different regions of India. Indian Architecture is one of the finest examples of fusion of Indian culture as it boasts of some of the best specimen of different styles of architecture. These architectural landmarks are the result of traditions that combined elements from several parts of the country and abroad. Grand tombs, forts, palaces, temples and cities built by different dynasties, are living lessons about the history and culture of an earlier golden era.
Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a palace in Jaipur built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap to form the part of the City Palace. It was built to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. It has 5 stories with 953 small windows constructed of red and pink sandstone.
City Palace Located in Jaipur, the City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. Originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, the complex is divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Amber Fort , located in Amber 11 km from Jaipur, was built over the remnants of an earlier structure. The present palace complex was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar’s army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of 9 courtiers in 1592.
Junagarh Fort in Bikaner is an impressive fort built by Raja Rai Singh in 1587. This impressive fort has never been conquered as it has several towers and battlements for defence. Junagarh Fort contains 37 palaces and many temples and pavilions including Badal Mahal or Palace of Clouds and Anup Mahal.
Golden Fort Situated on Trikuta Hill in Jaisalmer, the fort is made of golden yellow sandstone. It was built by Raja Jaisal, a chieftain of the Bhatti tribe in 1156 AD. The imposing walls of the fort enclosing a mini-township consist of houses of merchants and their shops and have a 30 ft high sandstone barrier, which includes 99 bastions.
Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur was originally called Chittar Palace as it was located on the Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. Umaid Bhawan was one of the last royal constructions and India's last Palace, built to provide work and drought relief for the poor. This erchitectural marvel was named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Jodhpur Maharaja.
Chittorgarh Fort is a massive and majestic fort situated on a hilltop near town of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan. the most historically significant forts in North India, it stands on top a 180m high hill and is on about 280 hectare site. This fort once had 84 water bodies. But now only 22 remains. The highest point at the fort measures 1,075 m (3,526.9 ft). It was attacked three times between 15th and 16th centuries.
Mehrangarh Fort located in Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in India. The fort is situated on a lofty height, 400 ft above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its territorial boundaries, there are several palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.
Somnath at Somnath Patan near Veraval in Gujarat is famous for the Somnath temple. It is considered the first of all 12 Jyotirlingas. The other places of interest are Surya Mandir, Ahilya Mandir and P rabhat Patan Museum. The Somnath Temple is well-known as "the Shrine Eternal". It was attacked six times and rebuilt six times, most recently in 1947.
Gateway of India Mumbai has a rich colonial history as well as heritage. It was given over to British as dowry when Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza married British prince Charles II. Gateway of India and Victoria Terminal are the example of colonial architecture. Gateway of India was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V to Mumbai.
The Elephanta Caves are thought to date back to the 9 th through 13 th centuries. The moat remarkable sculpture is of the Trimurti of Elephanta showing the three faces of Shiva while other the reliefs of Nataraja, Sadashiva and Ardhanarishvara. The caves were designated as World Heritage Site in 1987.
Ajanta Caves located in Aurangabad in Maharashtra rock-cut caves dating from the 2 nd century. The caves depict paintings and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist religious art and Universal pictorial art. The Ajanta Caves have been listed as the World Heritage Site since 1983.
Ellora is an archaeological site, 30 km from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Ellora represents the epitome of India rock-cut architecture as the 34 caves comprises of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples and monasteries. The Ellora Caves have been listed as the World Heritage Site since 1983.
The churches of Goa, the former capital of the Portuguese Indies, illustrate the evangelization of Asia. These monuments were influential in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art. Old Goa is enlisted as the World Heritage Site since 2986. The most noteworthy of all the churches is the the Church of Bom Jesus that contains the tomb of St Francis Xavier.
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