Taj Mahal
Among the famous monuments of India, none is more fascinating than the Taj Mahal. The pinnacle of medieval architecture was achieved in this mausoleum built by the Mughul Emperor Shahjahan in the 17th century AD. The immense size and grandeur along with its sublime spiritual appeal makes the Taj Mahal one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. Located in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal stands out among the highlights of tourism in India. The magnificent Taj mahal was built by the 5th Mughul emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, also known as Arjumand Bano Begum. She was his favorite wife and she bore him 14 children. She died at childbirth in 1631, and thus attained martyrdom. This is why the tomb of Mumtaz mahal was designed to be a mausoleum, as well as place of pilgrimage where religious festivals would be held.
The design of the Taj mahal has been inspired by the description of the garden of paradise in the Holy Quran. The best architects, craftsmen and masons were summoned from all over the world for this project of mammoth proportions. In those days, it cost nearly 41 million rupees, and involved the use of over 500 kilos of gold. The immense structure was completed in 1643, after 12 years of work by about 20,000 workers.
The Taj Mahal features the Charbagh garden style brought to India by the Mughuls, who originated from arid lands of central Asia, and liked their palaces and other structures to be opulent in greenery and water. The charbagh of the Taj is perfect in symmetry. The lotus pool in the middle of the garden reflects the monument in all its glory and is a popular spot among tourists for photographing themselves.
The main structure is made up of white marble, procured from Makrana in Rajasthan. The dome is the most prominent part of the main structure. It rises to 44 meters (144 feet) and is topped by a finial. Four minarets, each 40 meters (131 feet) tall, surround the main building on four sides. These are topped by open octagonal pavilions, known as chatris. The minarets have been deliberately made shorter than the main building to highlight the supremacy of the central structure.
The actual tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shahjahan, who was also buried here, lie in a crypt below the cenotaphs. They are now closed for public viewing. The cenotaphs are richly decorated with magnificent calligraphy. They are surrounded by a beautiful screen carved out of a single block of marble. It is an example of the amazingly intricate artistry of the artisans working on the Taj.
The decorative elements of the Taj are as interesting and attractive as its architecture. Pietra Dura inlay work, using precious stones in marble, has been used extensively in the Taj. Simple flower designs have been executed with remarkable artistry, making the whole monument exude an earthly beauty. Similarly, the best calligraphers of the time were assigned the task of decorating the Taj with verses from the Quran. The calligraphy has been executed with black marble which stands out on the white surface.
The main building is flanked by two red sandstone buildings on the western and eastern sides. The western building is the mosque, while the eastern building was known as the mahman khana, or guest house.
The Taj signifies the ultimate amalgamation of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles. It represents the best that the 17th century had to offer in architecture. Declared a world heritage site by the UNESCO in 1983, the Taj Mahal remains one of the most visited and loved historic monuments of the world.
Khajuroha
Temples of Khajuraho are among the most magnificent temples of India. These temples were built by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty of central India between 9th and 10th century. Temples are famous all over the world for a large number of erotic sculptures, which are wonderful works of art, and also tell us a lot about the lifestyle of the people of ancient India. These temples are visited by numerous tourists from all parts of the globe, and are counted among the most important tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh. There are 25 temples still standing in the Khajuraho complex. It is said that originally 85 temples had been built, but they did not survive the ravages of time. Having remained hidden by a dense forest cover for almost seven centuries, these magnificent temples were rediscovered in the 19th century by a British officer, much like the Ajanta and Ellora caves. These temples were abandoned after the decline of the Chandela rulers in the 13th century. The remoteness of their location saved these temples from destruction by the invading Islamic forces that arrived in India in the 11th century.
The figures of Apsaras (celestial nymphs) dominate the temple sin Khajuraho. Showcasing the mastery of the artisans, particularly in depicting the female form, these have often been carved to act as support brackets. The temples are divided into three groups. These are –
The western group:
The major temples in this group are:
Kandariya Mahadev - this temple represents the pinnacle of north Indian temple arc. It is massive in proportions and features an amazing blend of complex design with a uniform harmony. The temple features over 800 sculptures that depict erotic scenes, Gods, war themes, dancers, musicians and scenes from the courtly ceremonies.
Lakshmana temple – this temple is similar to the Kandariya Mahadev temple, but it has many figures that are unique to it. The female bracket figures and the pair of street singers are notable among these.
The large statue of Varaha, Vishnu’s boar incarnation, is located in a pavilion opposite the temple. The temple dates back to the 10th century AD.
Vishwanath temple – dating to 11th century, this temple also features splendid sculptures, including the famous Apsara picking a thorn from her foot, and another Apsara playing the flute.
Matangeshwar temple – this temple is still used for daily worship. It was built around 900 AD.
The Eastern Group
The eastern group of temples includes:
Jain Parsvanath temple – this temple was built around 950 AD. It is known for the intricately carved ceiling pendants, and the sculptures of three Apsaras.
The Ghantai temple and Adinath temple are the other major temples in the eastern group.
The Southern Group
The Southern Group represents the final stages of building in the complex. The Chaturbhuj temple is the most prominent temple in this group. Built in 1090 AD, this temple has a magnificent four armed statue of Lord Shiva in the inner sanctum. This temple does not have any erotic sculptures.
An archaeological museum near the entrance of the western group of temples exhibits an impressive collection of sculptures and other pieces of art found in the area. The exhibits include a frieze that shows the construction of the Khajuraho temples. The Khajuraho temples have been declared as a world heritage site by the UNESCO.
Ajanta-Ellora
The splendid rock cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora are located near Aurangabad, a city in Maharashtra, a state in western India. These temples represent the pinnacle of rock cut temple architecture in India achieved by the ancient craftsmen. The temples cover a vast range of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religious themes, and were built over a period of several centuries between the 2nd century BC, to about 9th century AD. Both the cave complexes have been declared as world heritage sites by the UNESCO. Together they are among the best known tourist attractions in India. Ajanta Caves:
The Ajanta caves comprise a set of 30 caves that are lined in a horse shoe shape besides the Waghora river gorge. These caves were discovered accidentally by a British officer during a hunt.
The caves fall into two groups, the earlier ones dating back to the 2nd to 1st century BC. During this period, Hinayana Buddhism was dominant and Buddha was represented by various symbols and not in his human form. The second group dating between 5th to 6th centuries AD belongs to the Mahayana period and contains sculptures of Buddha in his human form.
The caves can be classified structurally into chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monastery). The caves are famous all over the world for their exquisite murals, painted ceilings, carved pillars, and the occasional large figures of Buddha in various postures. Notable among these is the cave 26, which showcases two magnificent panels, including a 7 meters long image of reclining Buddha, depicting Parinirvana (death of Gautama Buddha).
The murals are among the finest and most ancient paintings to be seen in India. They were executed between the 2nd century BC and 5th century AD, but still look as fresh as if they were painted a few days ago. The themes range from the Jataka tales that recount the story of Buddha in his various incarnations, to the everyday courtroom themes, and scenes from everyday life of the period. The colors are still very vibrant and are remarkably well preserved despite lying unattended for several centuries.
Ellora caves:
The 34 caves at Ellora are located 30 kilometers north west of Aurangabad. They are dated later than the Ajanta caves. Commissioned by the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta kings, they represent a Hindu renaissance in India that coincided with decline in Buddhism. The period covered is between 7th – 9th centuries AD.
The centerpiece of the Ellora caves is the Kailasanatha temple. A UNESCO world heritage site, this magnificent temple ahs been carved downwards out of a single cliff, an incredible achievement, considering the age of construction. Approximately 3 million cubic feet of rock were chiseled by the ancient artisans to create this ancient wonder of India. The temple (cave 16) is supposed to represent mount Kailasa, the holy abode of Lord Shiva. It was commissioned by the 8th century Rashtrakuta ruler, Krishna I. the interior of the temple is as impressive as the exterior and contains a large number of intricate sculptures depicting various Hindu mythological themes.
The complex also contains Buddhist (1 to 12) and Jain caves (30- 34) which include remarkable viharas and chaitya grihas meant for ritualistic as well as residential purposes. The Ellora caves complex is also a protected place declared as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. Together with the Ajanta caves, they form the core of tourism in Maharashtra.
Golden Temple
The Golden temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is the most important pilgrimage for the Sikhs all over the world. The supreme governing body of the Sikh religion which developed in India in the 16th – 17th centuries is also located in the golden temple complex. It is one of the most important religious sites in India, and an indispensible part of tourism in Punjab. One of the wonders of India, the Golden temple is visited by numerous tourists from all parts of the globe including people from all religions and not only Sikhs. The magnificent temple was built between 1589 and 1601. The foundation of the temple was laid by Guru (spiritual head) Arjan Dev in 1588. Another version states that the foundation stone was laid was a Muslim saint named Miyan Mir. The idea was to build a center of Sikhism, much like Varanasi for the Hindus, and Mecca for Islam. The surrounding village of Ramdaspur came up as his followers started residing there. Ramdaspur came to be known as Amritsar, after the sacred tank called Amrit Sarovar was dug in the area, planned by Guru Amar Das.
The golden temple was rebuilt under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the great Sikh ruler of the 18th -19th centuries, after being severely damaged by Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan invader who defeated the Marathas in the third battle of Panipat. It was Ranjit Singh who got the dome of the temple covered in gold, giving the temple its name. The interior was also decorated lavishly under his patronage.
The style of the temple is a curious blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural patterns prevalent at the period. The chief components of the temple complex are the two structures known as the Akal Takht and the Hari Mandir.
Hari Mandir:
This three storied temple is the holiest site for the Sikhs across the globe. It is also known as Harmandir sahib, and is greatly revered as the Guru Granth sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs is kept here during day. The dome and upper portion of this temple is covered with gold and it is this structure that gives the complex its name. The marble walls of the first floor feature intricate pietra dura decoration reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. The decorative plasterwork involving animal and floral motifs also adorn the first floor.
The dome of Hari mandir is shaped like an inverted lotus. It is covered with about 100 kilograms (220 lbs) of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1830. The lower wall of the temple is made with white marble, another feature from the Taj. The Sheesh Mahal or the hall of mirrors is a typically Hindu feature found in the palaces of Rajasthan. The Sheesh Mahal of the Golden temple is located in the top floor. The Guru Granth Sahib is placed under a jeweled canopy in the hall called the Durbar sahib.
Akal takht:
The Akal takht is the seat of the supreme governing body of the Sikhs. This beautiful structure also houses various articles used by the previous Sikh gurus, including swords and flagstaffs. The holy book is kept here at night.
A 60 meters long causeway with nine gilded lamps on either side leads to the Hari mandir temple from the Akal takht through the gateway called the Darshana deorhi. The most conspicuous feature of the complex, apart from Hari mandir, is the large tank, the Amrit Sarovar. This is where the Sikhs are baptized.
The other major features of the golden temple complex include the common dining hall (guru ka langar), the Assembly Hall, Arjan Dev’s Tree, Dukh Bhanjani Ber, and Gobind Singh’s Shrine.
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi temple is located in Budh Gaya, which is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage spot in the Gaya district of Bihar, eastern India. Budh Gaya is, in fact, the holiest of the Buddhist sites all over the world. It is here that Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi temple is the center of attraction of Budh Gaya. This temple is among the best known tourist attractions in Bihar, and is visited by numerous Buddhist pilgrims as well as tourists from all over the world. It is a major part of tourism in Bihar. The original temple at this spot is believed to have been constructed by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The location of the temple is said to be on the very spot where the wandering prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment almost 2500 years ago. The present structure is a reconstruction of the original temple, probably in the 7th century AD. The temple was seriously damaged by Muslim invaders in the 12th century. It was repaired and significantly remodeled in the 14th century under patronage from the Burmese kings. Major excavations carried out in the 19th century brought out much of the temple that was buried under silt deposited over centuries.
The temple is surrounded by a stone railing which dates back to the 1st century BC. The temple is also greatly revered due to the presence of the Bodhi tree under which Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment after meditating for 49 days. This tree, however, is not the original Bodhi tree, but is a sapling from a tree in Sri Lanka which is said to be a sapling of the original Bodhi Tree.
The spire of the temple soars to 54 meters (177 feet). It goes up in tiers and is topped by an umbrella shaped finial. The gateway of the temple features Buddha’s teachings inscribed in granite. This gateway dates back to the 8th century AD. The Chakramana is yet another important feature of the Mahabodhi temple. It is the sacred place where Buddha used to walk while deep into contemplation during his stay here.
The Vajrashila is a red sandstone seat which marks the spot where Buddha sat in meditation. It is a greatly revered spot for the Buddhists.
The most famous attraction of the Mahabodhi temple’s interior is the gilded stone image of Gautama Buddha. It is located in the main sanctum of the temple which is reached through the main entrance of the temple. The statue is dated around the late 10th century AD. The calm look on the face of the statue creates a peaceful and serene ambience inside the sanctum.
Dusk is the best time to visit the temple, when lamps and prayers combine to create a surreal and pious atmosphere in the temple complex. The Buddha Jayanti, held in May, is the most auspicious occasion and the perfect time to visit the Mahabodhi temple.
Hampi
Hampi has an important position among the tourist destinations in South India. A famous stop in a tour of South India, the ruins of the once mighty Vijayanagar Empire have made Hampi one of the most famous tourist spots in India. The ruins have also been declared as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. The ruins are located in the South Indian state of Karnataka, about 460 kilometers North West of Bangalore. The nearest railway station is at Hospet, 13 kms away. The region has been identified as the legendary Kishkindhya as mentioned in the epic – Ramayana. Hampi is located on the southern banks of the River Tungabhadra. The ruins remind the onlooker of the immense proportions of the Vijayanagar Kingdom which rose in South India during the 14th century. The Kingdom was the only remaining major Hindu power, except the Rajputs, that survived at a time when the Islamic sultanates ruled almost the entire north India and the Deccan. The kingdom survived till the 16th century, perishing to the joint forces of the Deccan sultanates. The city was left desolate and the ruins today narrate the sad story of the sudden fall from grace of one of the most remarkable kingdoms of medieval India.
The name of the place has probably been derived from the Kannada word Hampe which in turn has been derived from Pampa, the old name of the Tungabhadra River. Hampi is most probably an anglicized version of the word Hampe. The temple of Virupaksha, the patron deity of the Vijayanagar rulers, still draws devotees from distant areas. This temple probably predates the Vijayanagar kingdom and is among the major attractions of Hampi even today. It is dedicated to the Goddess Pampa and her consort Shiva. The temple has a 50 meter high gopuram (spire) that is visible from a great distance.
The chief attraction of Hampi is the Vitthala temple. This magnificent temple was enlarged during the reigns of Krishnadeva Raya and Achyuta Raya, two of the most prominent kings of Vijayanagar. The hollow columns of the hall in this temple emit different notes of the octave. The temple also features amazing reliefs and frieze work, displaying various mythological Themes in minute details. A shrine shaped like a chariot is placed in front of the temple and is dedicated to Garuda, the celestial bird.
The other noted features to be seen in Hampi are:
The Krishna temple – This was built by Krishnadeva Raya in 1516 to commemorate his victory over Orissa.
King’s Balance – The ruling kings were weighed on this balance with gold or grain. This was a common practice among Indian monarchs at the time.
Elephant stables – This large building has 11 chambers and was used for the royal elephants. The polygonal shapes of the roofs are unique features of this structure.
Lotus Mahal – This beautiful temple was probably used as a council chamber by the kings.
Stepped tank – This magnificent tank was part of an amazing hydraulic system that was used to bring water to the royal quarters.
Queen’s bath – This was used for the purposes of royal recreation.
The temple of Achyuta Raya, Kodandarama temple, Hazara Ramachandra temple, and the monolithic sculpture of Narasimha are the other attractions of Hampi.
There is an archaeological museum that houses the artifacts discovered from the site. The chariot festival is a major event that is celebrated with fanfare in the bazaar street area every year.
Konark - Sun Temple
The sun temple at Konark is the most important structure in the state of Orissa in eastern India. It is the highlight of any tour of Orissa. The Konark sun temple is of utmost interest to those studying temple architecture in India. Orissa has its own distinct temple architecture and the Konark sun temple is a typical example of this style. Tourists should make it a point to visit this temple as it is the most famous tourist attraction in Orissa. The sun temple was built in the 13th century under the orders of King Narasimhadeva of the eastern Ganga dynasty. It is counted among the most remarkable architectural marvels constructed in medieval India and is dedicated to the Sun God. The structure has been designed as a chariot of the Sun god, driven by seven horses and carried by 12 pairs of wheels. According to Hindu mythology, the sun god circles the earth in this chariot.
The temple is known for its remarkable design as well as the superb sculptures. Among the numerous sculptures featuring a wide range of mythological themes, the most prominent is that of the Sun god himself. The life size image of the sun god has been shown as standing on a chariot. He is surrounded by his wives and other deities. Mention must be made of the erotic sculptures of the temple, reminiscent of the temples in Khajuraho.
Besides the artistic aspect, the design and sculptures of the temple also has astronomical significance. The seven horses of the sun represent the seven days of the week. The 12 gigantic wheels represent the 12 months of the year. The wheels have eight spokes, which are believed to represent the day divided into eight sections of three hours each. An amazing feature of the temple is that the three images of the sun god have been positioned with such accurate measurements that the sun’s rays fall on their faces at dawn, noon, and dusk.
The temple had a 70 meter tall spire which collapsed by the 19th century due to constant corrosion. The temple’s stone structure has been corroded over the centuries due to the saline climate as it is situated right next to the Bay of Bengal. Now under constant supervision, the Konark temple has been awarded the status of a world heritage site by the UNESCO.
The adjoining Jagamohan or assembly Hall is another beautiful structure. It was buried under sand for centuries and was unearthed in the early 20th century. It has many sculptures that include 1700 elephants in different postures. Another important part of the Konark sun temple is the Bhogmandir, which is the hall of offerings. The structure has lost its roof over the years, but retains its pillars and plinth and has many splendid sculptures featuring the traditional dance form of the region, Odissi. The Shrine of the Nine Planets in the compound is a large stone slab featuring the deities representing the nine planets. The archaeological museum exhibits the sculptures and other artifacts recovered from the site.
