While everyone is familiar with the Taj Mahal in Agra, it is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many historical structures, buildings, and landmarks all over the country. The structures and buildings are the remnants of the rich and storied history of the country, both before and after India's independence in 1947. These structures, which range from stunning temples to magnificent palaces and mausoleums, are an important part of India's culture, heritage, and identity and while it's important to preserve these structures, it's also important to preserve the history of India and it's influence on the rest of the world. Many of these structures are also part of UNESCO's World Heritage site, which has helped preserve them for the future.
Often called the epicentre of culture, Delhi boasts a long and rich history. The ruins scattered throughout the city are a testament to this history. It's a reminder of how far we've come as a country. And it's a way for people to see how things were in the past, before we developed into the people we are today. Some of the monuments and ruins are a testimony to the past. They're also a testimony to how our rich history is reflected in our culture, as well as a medium for tourism.
Here are a few breathing architectural wonders to visit when in the capital city:
DELHI'S TOP ARCHITECTURAL SITES
1. HUMAYUN'S TOMB
Humayun's Tomb is especially significant because its architecture was later used as the blueprint for the Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Mirak Mirza Ghiyas from Persia was commissioned to build the tomb in 1569, just after the death of the Mughal emperor Humayun in 1556. The tomb is built on a 25-acre plot that has a four-sided garden, which is then divided into 36 smaller squares. Sadly, during the partition of India and Pakistan, Humayun's Tomb was used as a refugee camp for a few years and sustained quite a bit of damage as a result.
2. QUTB MINAR
Qutub Minar, the tower of Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, was built by the founder of the Mamluk dynasty, Qutb-ud-Din. His son-in-law Iltutmish added a fourth story and embossed it with stones. It was later damaged by lightning and King Firoz Shah Tughlaq commissioned repairs and added a fifth story. The first three floors are made of red sandstone while the two upper floors are made of marble and sandstone. The intricate carvings from Quran on each floor will leave you amazed.
3. RED FORT
The Red Fort is a stunning example of traditional Mughal architecture that has been expertly blended with Persian and European influences. The fort was originally built with lime plaster, but as it started to peel, the British painted it red. The Pearl Mosque was built near Emperor Aurangzeb's chamber. The Red Fort campus features a fusion of Persian, European, and Indian architectural styles.
4. PURANA QILA
The Purana Qila is an excellent example of architectural harmony between Muslim and Hindu styles. Sher Shah built the Qila and surrounded it with a city. Humayun, Talaqi, and Bara Darwaza are the three gates of the fort. Sandstone was used to build each double-tier rampart. The gates were surrounded by a moat through which the Yamuna used to flow once upon a time.
5. LOTUS TEMPLE
The Lotus Temple is a Bahá’à House of Worship completed in New Delhi, India, in 1986. Widely referred to as a Lotus Temple, the building is actually a mandir. It is open to people of all religions, although many come just to admire the structure. It is the largest Bahá’à House of Worship in the world. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards and has been featured in hundreds of newspaper, magazine and television stories.
6. SHER MANDAL
Sher Mandal is a historic building situated inside Purana Qila. It was built by the Mughal emperor Humayun as an observatory, library, and pleasure house. Sher Mandal is octagonal in structure and consists of two stories. The floors are made of marble and the building is constructed of local red sandstone. Both floors are crowned with a verandah that runs around the perimeter.
7. GHALIB KI HAVELI
The legendary poet Mirza Ghalib's haveli is one of Delhi's most remarkable structures that is often overlooked. Ghalib's house has sandstone floors and Lakhori bricks, with arched corridors enclosing a courtyard on three sides. The structure represents the architectural style at the end of the Mughal era. Unfortunately, only a portion of the haveli was acquired and restored by the government; the remainder has fallen into disrepair.
8. JAMA MASJID
After relocating his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Jama Masjid (Old Delhi). It took about six years to build in red sandstone and marble. The interiors are reminiscent of Agra's Jama Masjid. The courtyard floor is sandstone, with marble strips indicating prayer positions to the average citizen.
9. TUGHLAQABAD FORT
The Tughlaqabad Fort was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty in Delhi, to keep enemies out and to serve as the king's capital. Its double-tiered bastions and massive ramparts are architectural marvels. Inside the fort were grand mosques, an audience hall, and beautiful palaces in an Indo-Islamic style.
10. SAFDARJUNG TOMB
Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan, also known as Safdar Jung, is buried at the Safdarjung Tomb. It was made of sandstone and marble, and after his death, his son Nawab Shujaud Daula begged the Mughal emperor to allow him to build a tomb for his father in Delhi. The tomb was designed by an Abyssinian architect to look like Humayun's Tomb.
How many places have you been to? Print the below checklist 👇 and let me know in the comments!
