Significance: World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Timings: Open daily except Mondays between 9am and 5.30pm
Fee: 10 Rs for Indians above 15 years, 250 Rs or US $ 5 for others above 15 years
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in1987, Elephanta caves located at Elephanta Islands in Mumbai harbour contains some of the finest rock-cut sculpture in India. A great tourist attraction, this island is located 11 km east, across the Arabian sea from the Gateway of India at Mumbai.
Elephanta caves, the focal point of the Elephanta Island is the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. There are altogether seven caves spread on two hills, five on the Western hill and two on the Eastern hill. The island originally known as Gharapuri (city of forts) was the capital of Konkan Mauryas and was later re-named by the Portuguese when they captured Bombay from the Sultan of Gujarat in the16th century. The island was named Elephanta after the colossal sculpted elephants found there.
The magnificent rock cut temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, was probably excavated during the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty which ruled the area from 757 to 973 AD. Cut out of a basalt rock face, the cave complex covers an area of about 60,000 square feet and has a collection of several subsidiary shrines, courtyards, halls and porticos arranged in a splendid and precise mathematical symmetry filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Stylistically, the carvings in these caves combine the graceful forms of South Indian Hindu sculpture with the exactness and poise of Buddhist Gupta Arts. Though extensive damage have been caused to the sculptures by the Portuguese, they are still remarkable.
The most important among the caves is Cave One on the Western Hill. The main sculpture area of this large multicolumned hall is on the southern wall at the back. Stairs lead to the main entrance on the north of the cave complex with three openings supported by 28 decorative pillars, each resting on a square base with fluted shafts. Eight of the pillars have been destroyed or has collapsed. Facing the north entrance there is a great manifestation of Lord Siva as Lord of the Universe ('Mahesvara murthy' or 'Trimurthy') on the south wall at the back of the cave. The 6 m high idol is a magnificent one, considered to be a masterpiece of Indian art. The three faces represent three aspects of Shiva: as the creator (on the right), the preserver (in the center), and the destroyer (on the left). The square linga shrine or the main shrine is at the western end of the main hall in precise axis with the east entrance. Dwarapalas (doorkeepers) guard each of its four doors originally accompanied by attendant dwarfs (gana) which are largely missing now. The dwarpalas can be traced back to the traditions of Buddhist Gupta arts. There is another shrine on the east with sculptures of dwarapalas and lions guarding it.
Large scale scenes are deeply recessed into the walls of the cave. The compositions depict different aspects of Shiva. There is a much damaged carving of Lord Shiva seated on a lotus in yogic posture as Lakulisa and on its right is a vigorously dancing Nataraja. From the steps at the entrance, the yoni lingam, symbol of Shiva's creative power can be seen. Shiva and Parvati playing dice, Ravana shaking Kailasa (right) on which Shiva is seated, Panels spearing the Shiva killing the demon Andhaka (left) and the marriage of Shiva and Parvati (right) are positioned at the west end on the south wall. Behind Parvati stands her father Himalaya and to his left is Chandramas, the god of the moon, carrying a pot of soma (food of the gods). On Shiva's left is Vishnu and below is Brahma.
Three panels are set into the rear wall. To the left, Shiva and Parvati are joined in a composite and androgynous figure; to the right, an enclosure contain a carving of Shiva as Ardhanarishwara - in which he combines the female and the male aspects in his own self. Then the image of the trimurthi, to its right is a detailed panel depicting Shiva assisting in the descent of the goddess Ganga. A three headed female figure emerges from Shiva. Here Ganga is shown in the centre and her tributaries, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers on either side.
These complex male-female, husband-wife relationships are embodied in the immense triple headed bust of Shiva in the middle. The god emerges only partly from the mountain, his fourth head turned unseen into the rock.
The monument is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Large number of visitors come to Elephanta Island in February for the Elephanta dance festival. This festival of Music and Dance is organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Over the years, the festival has become a major tourist attraction for Mumbaites as well as for incoming domestic and foreign tourists.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Bhimbetka
Significance : UNESCO World Heritage site
Best time to visit : September to February
Timings : 10 am to 5 pm; Mondays closed
Entry Fee : Rs 14 including vehicle, $5 for foreigners
Bhimbetka is an unique archeological site situated 2 km southwest of the tribal village Bhiyanpura in Raisen district, on the southern tip of the Vindhyachal mountains 46 kms south - east of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. Spreading over 10 km in length and about 3 km in width, this site has more than 700 rock shelters( the largest group in the world), each separated from the next by a few meters. The paintings in over 500 caves date back to about 9,000 years and depict the life of the prehistoric cave dwellers and a smaller number have evidence of Stone Age habitation from the upper Palaetholic period through the late Mesolithic and to the historical period, making the Bhimbetika group an archaeological treasure.
The site, with South Asia's richest collection of prehistoric paintings, considered to be among the oldest Stone Age rock paintings in the world was declared a UNESCO World heritage site on July 2003, thus becoming the 22nd site in India to receive the status, along with other rock cut caves of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta.
The name Bhimbetka comes from the Hindu Epic Mahabharata, Bhim-bait-ka means Bheem (One of the five pandavas ) had rested here when Pandavas were banished from their kingdom. The Rock Shelters at Bhimbetka exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India. According to archaeologists, the caves must have been inhabited over 10,000 years ago. Surrounded by dense forests and rocky cliffs, the site is spectacular and is an Ornithologists paradise with its numerous bird species. Of the rock shelters, about 15 of them are open to the public.
The first reference about Bhimbetka comes in 1888, when it was mentioned as a Buddhist site. Then 70 years later in 1957, came the dawn for Bhimbetka, when this prehistoric rock shelters was accidentally discovered by an archaeologist, V. S. Wakankar (considered as the father of rock art in India) of the Vikram University, Ujjain. These shelters bear a significant similarity to Kakadu National Park (Australia), the cave paintings of the Bushmen in Kalahari Desert, and the Upper Paleolithic Lascaux cave paintings (France).
Besides the paintings, the caves itself and some of the rock formations are also worth a look. One of the rock formations that looks like a tortoise, and the entrance of a cave which resembles the open mouth of a snake etc are truly amazing. Some of the main caves at Bhimbetka are fairly large which can accommodate up to a hundred people, while others are small.
The rock shelters and caves of Bhimbetka have a number of interesting drawings about a foot high. It is a wonder that the paintings have not faded even after ten thousands of years. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to this site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings. The most famous cave at Bhimbetka is the 'Zoo Rock' where one can see paintings dating back to 10,000 BC and also some paintings made between 5,000 and 7,000 years ago.
The cave paintings depicts the lives and times of the people who lived in the caves which include hunting and battle scenes (carrying bows, arrows, swords and shields), dancing, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, masking, various routine activities of the day etc. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently and the identified animals include rhinoceros, bisons, tigers, lions, deer's, elephants, antelopes, dogs, and lizards. These paintings are largely found on the ceilings and walls of the caves and on the rock face.
The superimposition of paintings shows that the same canvas was used by different people at different times like Paleolithic (10,000 BC), Mesolithic (5,000 BC) and the Neolithic age (2,000 BC). It is believed that these paints were made of colored earth, vegetable dyes, roots, animal fat and the brushes were made of pieces of fibrous plants. Straight lines, squares, triangles, rhombuses, parallelograms and hexagons dominate the paintings.
The colors used in the paintings are mainly red and white with an occasional stroke of Yellow and green. As by carbon dating, the white drawings suggests they are 5,000 years old, those in red are dated back at 8000 years. And the striped outlines are just 2,000 years old.
The rock art of Bhimbetka has been classified into various groups on the basis of style and subject as well as different periods. The drawings and paintings can be classified under seven different periods. They are
Period One - Upper Paleolithic Era: Usually in white, green lines and dark red, with linear paintings of large animals like bison, tiger and rhinoceros.
Period Two - Mesolithic Era: The Mesolithic figures and animals are usually in red and smaller. Hunting scenes are a common theme - which shows weapons, riding and hunting animals. Communal dances and musical instruments are seen in this rock shelter range. Women are sometimes seen with a child, or pregnant.
Period Three - Chalcolithic Era: Similar to the paintings of Chalcolithic pottery, these drawings reveal that the cave dwellers had come in contact with the agricultural communities of the Malwa plains.
Period Four and Five - Early Historic Era : The early historic figures have a schematic and decorative style. These images are painted mainly in red, white, and yellow and are mostly of riders, religious symbols and a highly stylized script. Some religious elements include tree gods, Yakshas and sky chariots.
Period Six and Seven - Medieval Era : These paintings are geometric linear and more schematic, but they show degenerations and crudeness in their artistic style. The colours used by the cave dwellers were prepared combining manganese hematite, soft red stone and wooden coal.
Best time to visit : September to February
Timings : 10 am to 5 pm; Mondays closed
Entry Fee : Rs 14 including vehicle, $5 for foreigners
Bhimbetka is an unique archeological site situated 2 km southwest of the tribal village Bhiyanpura in Raisen district, on the southern tip of the Vindhyachal mountains 46 kms south - east of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. Spreading over 10 km in length and about 3 km in width, this site has more than 700 rock shelters( the largest group in the world), each separated from the next by a few meters. The paintings in over 500 caves date back to about 9,000 years and depict the life of the prehistoric cave dwellers and a smaller number have evidence of Stone Age habitation from the upper Palaetholic period through the late Mesolithic and to the historical period, making the Bhimbetika group an archaeological treasure.
The site, with South Asia's richest collection of prehistoric paintings, considered to be among the oldest Stone Age rock paintings in the world was declared a UNESCO World heritage site on July 2003, thus becoming the 22nd site in India to receive the status, along with other rock cut caves of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta.
The name Bhimbetka comes from the Hindu Epic Mahabharata, Bhim-bait-ka means Bheem (One of the five pandavas ) had rested here when Pandavas were banished from their kingdom. The Rock Shelters at Bhimbetka exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India. According to archaeologists, the caves must have been inhabited over 10,000 years ago. Surrounded by dense forests and rocky cliffs, the site is spectacular and is an Ornithologists paradise with its numerous bird species. Of the rock shelters, about 15 of them are open to the public.
The first reference about Bhimbetka comes in 1888, when it was mentioned as a Buddhist site. Then 70 years later in 1957, came the dawn for Bhimbetka, when this prehistoric rock shelters was accidentally discovered by an archaeologist, V. S. Wakankar (considered as the father of rock art in India) of the Vikram University, Ujjain. These shelters bear a significant similarity to Kakadu National Park (Australia), the cave paintings of the Bushmen in Kalahari Desert, and the Upper Paleolithic Lascaux cave paintings (France).
Besides the paintings, the caves itself and some of the rock formations are also worth a look. One of the rock formations that looks like a tortoise, and the entrance of a cave which resembles the open mouth of a snake etc are truly amazing. Some of the main caves at Bhimbetka are fairly large which can accommodate up to a hundred people, while others are small.
The rock shelters and caves of Bhimbetka have a number of interesting drawings about a foot high. It is a wonder that the paintings have not faded even after ten thousands of years. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to this site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings. The most famous cave at Bhimbetka is the 'Zoo Rock' where one can see paintings dating back to 10,000 BC and also some paintings made between 5,000 and 7,000 years ago.
The cave paintings depicts the lives and times of the people who lived in the caves which include hunting and battle scenes (carrying bows, arrows, swords and shields), dancing, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, masking, various routine activities of the day etc. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently and the identified animals include rhinoceros, bisons, tigers, lions, deer's, elephants, antelopes, dogs, and lizards. These paintings are largely found on the ceilings and walls of the caves and on the rock face.
The superimposition of paintings shows that the same canvas was used by different people at different times like Paleolithic (10,000 BC), Mesolithic (5,000 BC) and the Neolithic age (2,000 BC). It is believed that these paints were made of colored earth, vegetable dyes, roots, animal fat and the brushes were made of pieces of fibrous plants. Straight lines, squares, triangles, rhombuses, parallelograms and hexagons dominate the paintings.
The colors used in the paintings are mainly red and white with an occasional stroke of Yellow and green. As by carbon dating, the white drawings suggests they are 5,000 years old, those in red are dated back at 8000 years. And the striped outlines are just 2,000 years old.
The rock art of Bhimbetka has been classified into various groups on the basis of style and subject as well as different periods. The drawings and paintings can be classified under seven different periods. They are
Period One - Upper Paleolithic Era: Usually in white, green lines and dark red, with linear paintings of large animals like bison, tiger and rhinoceros.
Period Two - Mesolithic Era: The Mesolithic figures and animals are usually in red and smaller. Hunting scenes are a common theme - which shows weapons, riding and hunting animals. Communal dances and musical instruments are seen in this rock shelter range. Women are sometimes seen with a child, or pregnant.
Period Three - Chalcolithic Era: Similar to the paintings of Chalcolithic pottery, these drawings reveal that the cave dwellers had come in contact with the agricultural communities of the Malwa plains.
Period Four and Five - Early Historic Era : The early historic figures have a schematic and decorative style. These images are painted mainly in red, white, and yellow and are mostly of riders, religious symbols and a highly stylized script. Some religious elements include tree gods, Yakshas and sky chariots.
Period Six and Seven - Medieval Era : These paintings are geometric linear and more schematic, but they show degenerations and crudeness in their artistic style. The colours used by the cave dwellers were prepared combining manganese hematite, soft red stone and wooden coal.
Ellora Caves
Significance: Designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Best Time to visit : Although the best season is from October to March, the season extend throughout the year.
Timings: From 09 hours to 17:30 hrs or at sunset whichever is earlier ( Closed on Mondays and National holidays. )
Fee: Entry to Ellora is free except for the Kailasa Temple. Foreigner US$ 10, Indian Rs 10. A light pass of Rs.5 is necessary if you want the guide to turn on the lights. Video Camera Rs 25. Flash photography is strictly forbidden in this caves.
Among the most important historical monuments in India, Ellora caves, cut out of the vertical face of a high basalt hill, Charanadari running north to south in the Deccan, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. These caves are the culmination of Deccan rock-cut architecture. Located about 28 km north west of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, Ellora earlier known as Verul a tiny mountain village, has 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries, spanning a period of almost 400 years from the sixth to the tenth centuries AD.
Caves at Ellora spread over 2km long, open to the left of the cliff and represent three faiths -Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. In all, there are 34 cave temples numbered from south to north - 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD). 20 or more caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. The magnificent Kailash Temple at Cave 16, known as the world's largest monolithic sculpture, was sculpted out of a single rock by 7000 labourers over a 150 year period.
A summary of the caves representing the three different faiths in Ellora are given below.
Best Time to visit : Although the best season is from October to March, the season extend throughout the year.
Timings: From 09 hours to 17:30 hrs or at sunset whichever is earlier ( Closed on Mondays and National holidays. )
Fee: Entry to Ellora is free except for the Kailasa Temple. Foreigner US$ 10, Indian Rs 10. A light pass of Rs.5 is necessary if you want the guide to turn on the lights. Video Camera Rs 25. Flash photography is strictly forbidden in this caves.
Among the most important historical monuments in India, Ellora caves, cut out of the vertical face of a high basalt hill, Charanadari running north to south in the Deccan, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. These caves are the culmination of Deccan rock-cut architecture. Located about 28 km north west of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, Ellora earlier known as Verul a tiny mountain village, has 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries, spanning a period of almost 400 years from the sixth to the tenth centuries AD.
Caves at Ellora spread over 2km long, open to the left of the cliff and represent three faiths -Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. In all, there are 34 cave temples numbered from south to north - 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD). 20 or more caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. The magnificent Kailash Temple at Cave 16, known as the world's largest monolithic sculpture, was sculpted out of a single rock by 7000 labourers over a 150 year period.
A summary of the caves representing the three different faiths in Ellora are given below.
Ajanta Caves
Significance: World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Best Time to visit : The Tourist seasons of Ajanta and Ellora extends almost through out the year.
Timings: From 09 hours to 17:30 Hrs or at sunset whichever is earlier ( closed on Mondays and national holidays. )
Fee: Indians Rs.10, Adults Foreigners US$ 10 free on Friday, A light pass of Rs.5 is necessary if you want the guide to turn on the lights. Video Camera Rs 25. Flash photography is strictly forbidden in this caves.
Ajanta caves, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, considered the finest examples of architecture. These historical manmade caves containing paintings on the walls and ceilings primarily depict the life of the Buddha before his enlightenment. The caves are located 100km northeast of Aurangabad, the nearest railhead being 55 km north at Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India.
The golden age of Buddhism began with the conversion of Emperor Ashoka into the religion in the 3rd century BC. Around 2nd century AD Buddhism split into two sects, Hinayana and Mahayana. The caves at Ajanta which cover both the systems, belong to two distinct phases of Buddhist rock-cut architecture, separated from each other by an interval of about four centuries. They were created out of hard rock with the barest of implements and served as monastic retreats for Buddhist monks, scholars, pupils and artists. The caves which were found to be continuously used or lived in from 200 BC to about AD650 were rediscovered in 1819, by a group of British soldiers who stumbled upon these cultural treasures overrun by foliage, many of them clogged with debris.
The 30 rock-cut caves with incomparable beauty, are cut into the steep face of a horseshoe-shaped hillside, silent but for the birdsong from the nearby Waghore River. The caves, some of them unfinished, are of two basic designs called 'Chaitya grihas' and 'Viharas'. Five of the caves (9,10, 26,29) are Chaityas (Buddhist cathedrals) while the other 25 are Viharas (monasteries). Chaitya grihas were halls of worship - large, rectangular chambers separated by rows of pillars into a central nave, surrounded by aisles on three sides, for circumambulation during prayer, with a sanctuary opposite the entrance. The Chaityas are decorated with sculptures and murals depicting the many incarnations of Buddha. Viharas or monasteries are rectangular shaped halls with series of small cells attached on two sides for the dwelling of monks. Among them, the earlier group belong to the Hinayana sect (2nd century B.C) and the latter group, to the Mahayana sect (A.D. 450 to 650).
Many of the caves are dark inside and without a light paintings are hard to see. A lighting ticket has to be purchased on production of which the cave guards turn on the lights for you to see the paintings. Many of the paintings still glow in their original colours. The outer walls are covered with sculptures. The art depicts the elegant timber-built interiors of spacious palaces, halls, peopled by be- jewelled princess and princesses, retinues of attendants, mendicants and market places, celestial musicians and fur capped foreign emissaries on unknown missions. War-horses in colourful trappings, monkeys, peacocks and elephants and host of other images dominate the world of these unknown artists.
Ajanta paintings are more correctly tempera, since they are painted on a dry surface. The paintings were executed after the rock walls were coated with a 1cm thick layer of clay and cow dung mixed with rice husks. A final coat of lime was applied to produce the finished surface on which the artist painted. These beautiful paintings have survived time and still make the atmosphere very vibrant and alive. The contours of the figures leave the visitor spell bound.
Best Time to visit : The Tourist seasons of Ajanta and Ellora extends almost through out the year.
Timings: From 09 hours to 17:30 Hrs or at sunset whichever is earlier ( closed on Mondays and national holidays. )
Fee: Indians Rs.10, Adults Foreigners US$ 10 free on Friday, A light pass of Rs.5 is necessary if you want the guide to turn on the lights. Video Camera Rs 25. Flash photography is strictly forbidden in this caves.
Ajanta caves, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, considered the finest examples of architecture. These historical manmade caves containing paintings on the walls and ceilings primarily depict the life of the Buddha before his enlightenment. The caves are located 100km northeast of Aurangabad, the nearest railhead being 55 km north at Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India.
The golden age of Buddhism began with the conversion of Emperor Ashoka into the religion in the 3rd century BC. Around 2nd century AD Buddhism split into two sects, Hinayana and Mahayana. The caves at Ajanta which cover both the systems, belong to two distinct phases of Buddhist rock-cut architecture, separated from each other by an interval of about four centuries. They were created out of hard rock with the barest of implements and served as monastic retreats for Buddhist monks, scholars, pupils and artists. The caves which were found to be continuously used or lived in from 200 BC to about AD650 were rediscovered in 1819, by a group of British soldiers who stumbled upon these cultural treasures overrun by foliage, many of them clogged with debris.
The 30 rock-cut caves with incomparable beauty, are cut into the steep face of a horseshoe-shaped hillside, silent but for the birdsong from the nearby Waghore River. The caves, some of them unfinished, are of two basic designs called 'Chaitya grihas' and 'Viharas'. Five of the caves (9,10, 26,29) are Chaityas (Buddhist cathedrals) while the other 25 are Viharas (monasteries). Chaitya grihas were halls of worship - large, rectangular chambers separated by rows of pillars into a central nave, surrounded by aisles on three sides, for circumambulation during prayer, with a sanctuary opposite the entrance. The Chaityas are decorated with sculptures and murals depicting the many incarnations of Buddha. Viharas or monasteries are rectangular shaped halls with series of small cells attached on two sides for the dwelling of monks. Among them, the earlier group belong to the Hinayana sect (2nd century B.C) and the latter group, to the Mahayana sect (A.D. 450 to 650).
Many of the caves are dark inside and without a light paintings are hard to see. A lighting ticket has to be purchased on production of which the cave guards turn on the lights for you to see the paintings. Many of the paintings still glow in their original colours. The outer walls are covered with sculptures. The art depicts the elegant timber-built interiors of spacious palaces, halls, peopled by be- jewelled princess and princesses, retinues of attendants, mendicants and market places, celestial musicians and fur capped foreign emissaries on unknown missions. War-horses in colourful trappings, monkeys, peacocks and elephants and host of other images dominate the world of these unknown artists.
Ajanta paintings are more correctly tempera, since they are painted on a dry surface. The paintings were executed after the rock walls were coated with a 1cm thick layer of clay and cow dung mixed with rice husks. A final coat of lime was applied to produce the finished surface on which the artist painted. These beautiful paintings have survived time and still make the atmosphere very vibrant and alive. The contours of the figures leave the visitor spell bound.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Taj Mahal
Famous as one of the wonders, the Taj Mahal at Agra, India, is epitome of true love. Taj Mahal was built by the famous Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. The architectural beauty and magnificence of the Taj Mahal has never been surpassed. The Taj Mahal is said to be the most beautiful monument built by the Mughal rulers and it represents the zenith of the Mughal architecture. Built entirely of white marbles, the beauty of the Taj Mahal is beyond description. The beauty of the Taj Mahal has been aptly summarized by the famous English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, as "Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones."
The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan married Arjumand Banu Begam, better known by the name Mumtaj Mahal, in the year 1612 AD. Mumtaj Mahal was Shah Jahan's second wife. After their marriage, Mumtaj Mahal became her husband's comrade and counselor. Mumtaj Mahal became an inseparable companion of Shah Jahan on all his journeys and military expeditions and an inspiration behind Shah Jahan's acts of charity and benevolence. In the year 1631 the cruel hands of destiny snatched Mumtaj Mahal from Shah Jahan. To immortalize the memory of Mumtaj Mahal, Shah Jahan decided to build a monument of eternal love. This monument of eternal love is none other than the spectacular and magnificence Taj Mahal.
A beautiful location on the banks of the river Yamuna was chosen and the foundation of the Taj Mahal was laid down. The master architect of the Taj Mahal was Ustad Isa. He was one of the most renowned Islamic architects of his time. Taj Mahal, the much-celebrated saga of royal love was brought to life by competent and skilled artisans from places like Delhi, Kannauj, Lahore, Multan, Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara. The construction work of the Taj Mahal began in 1631. More than 20,000 workmen, sculptors and master craftsmen worked painstakingly for 22 years to carve out the most famous symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built entirely in white marbles and the material was brought in from all over India and central Asia. The Taj Mahal complex was finally completed in 1653 at a cost of 32 Million Rupees (approx USD 68000) on the banks of river Yamuna in Agra, the capital of the Mughal monarchs.
The Taj Mahal stands on a raised and square platform with its four corners shortened, forming an unequal octagon. Interlocking arabesque concept is the architectural design that has been used in the construction of the Taj Mahal. In this style each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. The central dome of the Taj Mahal is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet and is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. There are four graceful, slender minarets in the structure of the Taj Mahal. Each of these minarets is 162.5 feet each. Precious gems and stones were used for decoration and calligraphy purposes.
The main archway of the Taj Mahal is a wonder in itself. This archway is chiseled with passages from the Holy Quran and bold scroll work of flowery pattern. The Taj Mahal mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj Mahal stands at the farthest end of the Taj Mahal complex, with the river Yamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center.
The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan married Arjumand Banu Begam, better known by the name Mumtaj Mahal, in the year 1612 AD. Mumtaj Mahal was Shah Jahan's second wife. After their marriage, Mumtaj Mahal became her husband's comrade and counselor. Mumtaj Mahal became an inseparable companion of Shah Jahan on all his journeys and military expeditions and an inspiration behind Shah Jahan's acts of charity and benevolence. In the year 1631 the cruel hands of destiny snatched Mumtaj Mahal from Shah Jahan. To immortalize the memory of Mumtaj Mahal, Shah Jahan decided to build a monument of eternal love. This monument of eternal love is none other than the spectacular and magnificence Taj Mahal.
A beautiful location on the banks of the river Yamuna was chosen and the foundation of the Taj Mahal was laid down. The master architect of the Taj Mahal was Ustad Isa. He was one of the most renowned Islamic architects of his time. Taj Mahal, the much-celebrated saga of royal love was brought to life by competent and skilled artisans from places like Delhi, Kannauj, Lahore, Multan, Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara. The construction work of the Taj Mahal began in 1631. More than 20,000 workmen, sculptors and master craftsmen worked painstakingly for 22 years to carve out the most famous symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built entirely in white marbles and the material was brought in from all over India and central Asia. The Taj Mahal complex was finally completed in 1653 at a cost of 32 Million Rupees (approx USD 68000) on the banks of river Yamuna in Agra, the capital of the Mughal monarchs.
The Taj Mahal stands on a raised and square platform with its four corners shortened, forming an unequal octagon. Interlocking arabesque concept is the architectural design that has been used in the construction of the Taj Mahal. In this style each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. The central dome of the Taj Mahal is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet and is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. There are four graceful, slender minarets in the structure of the Taj Mahal. Each of these minarets is 162.5 feet each. Precious gems and stones were used for decoration and calligraphy purposes.
The main archway of the Taj Mahal is a wonder in itself. This archway is chiseled with passages from the Holy Quran and bold scroll work of flowery pattern. The Taj Mahal mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj Mahal stands at the farthest end of the Taj Mahal complex, with the river Yamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center.
Hawa Mahal
Location : This monument is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Built In : 1799
Built By : Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
How to Reach : Hawa Mahal can be easily reached from anywhere in Jaipur, since it is a very famous landmark.
Jaipur is synonymous with Hawa Mahal. This beautiful monument of India was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Also known as the Palace of Winds, this beautiful monument is the landmark of Jaipur. The monument is five stories high and the front of the monument is delicately carved with beautiful motifs. It provides an outstanding example of Rajput style of architecture. Hawa Mahal is not exactly a palace but a screen of superbly sculpted windows that look like the front of a palace. It was built for the royal ladies of Rajasthan who wanted to view the busy city life from inside a veil. Read on about Hawa Mahal of Rajasthan.
The structure comprises of 953 beautiful windows made out of pink sandstone. These windows are known as "Jharokhas" and are built in a way that it resembles a honeycomb. Behind every window is a small chamber meant for sitting comfortably and viewing the busy city life. The palace is called Hawa Mahal because these small windows allow natural circulation of air, thus allowing ventilation from all parts of the palace.
The monument is visited by scores of tourists every year, both local and foreign who are completely mesmerized by the sheer magnitude and elegance of this monument. The best time to view this monument is early morning during sunrise when it looks exceptionally gorgeous. The upper floors of the palace can be reached by climbing the narrow ramps. There are no stairs inside the Hawa Mahal.
The palace is now maintained by the Archaeological Department. There is a small museum located in the premises of Hawa Mahal that houses ancient artifacts related to the Rajput lifestyle. This beautiful pink sandstone structure is a must see if you are visiting Jaipur. It is located right in the center of the city and can be easily reached from anywhere in Jaipur. You can always hire an auto or a taxi to get to this famous monument.
Built In : 1799
Built By : Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
How to Reach : Hawa Mahal can be easily reached from anywhere in Jaipur, since it is a very famous landmark.
Jaipur is synonymous with Hawa Mahal. This beautiful monument of India was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Also known as the Palace of Winds, this beautiful monument is the landmark of Jaipur. The monument is five stories high and the front of the monument is delicately carved with beautiful motifs. It provides an outstanding example of Rajput style of architecture. Hawa Mahal is not exactly a palace but a screen of superbly sculpted windows that look like the front of a palace. It was built for the royal ladies of Rajasthan who wanted to view the busy city life from inside a veil. Read on about Hawa Mahal of Rajasthan.
The structure comprises of 953 beautiful windows made out of pink sandstone. These windows are known as "Jharokhas" and are built in a way that it resembles a honeycomb. Behind every window is a small chamber meant for sitting comfortably and viewing the busy city life. The palace is called Hawa Mahal because these small windows allow natural circulation of air, thus allowing ventilation from all parts of the palace.
The monument is visited by scores of tourists every year, both local and foreign who are completely mesmerized by the sheer magnitude and elegance of this monument. The best time to view this monument is early morning during sunrise when it looks exceptionally gorgeous. The upper floors of the palace can be reached by climbing the narrow ramps. There are no stairs inside the Hawa Mahal.
The palace is now maintained by the Archaeological Department. There is a small museum located in the premises of Hawa Mahal that houses ancient artifacts related to the Rajput lifestyle. This beautiful pink sandstone structure is a must see if you are visiting Jaipur. It is located right in the center of the city and can be easily reached from anywhere in Jaipur. You can always hire an auto or a taxi to get to this famous monument.
Vivekananda Rock
Location : Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), India
Built In : 1970
Built By : Shri Eknath Ranade, Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee
How to Reach : The memorial is easily reachable from Kanyakumari via boats and ferries, which are provided for the tourists round the clock.
Located in the midst of the ocean, just 400 meters from Kanyakumari, is the magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This colossal structure was built in the year 1970, under the guidance of Shri Eknath Ranade. The Vivekananda rock temple is dedicated to one of the greatest spiritual philosophers of India, Swami Vivekananda. It is said that Swami Vivekananda meditated here before setting out on one of the most crucial religious campaigns in India in 1892. The idea of building Vivekananda Memorial Rock temple was conceptualized on his birth centenary in the year 1962.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built with a blend of traditional as well as contemporary architectural styles of India. A life size statue of Swami Vivekananda has been set up inside the memorial. The rock has always been considered as holy and according to Hindu mythology, Goddess Devi Kumari has blessed the rock with the touch of her sacred feet. It is thus known as 'Sripada Parai'. In fact, there is a projection on the rock that resembles a human foot and is brownish in color, which is regarded as Sri Padam.
The memorial has two main structures known as the Shripada Mandapam and the Vivekananda Mandapam. The Shripada Mandapam has the main sanctum sanctorum surrounded by an outer platform. The Vivekananda Mandapam has a meditation hall known as Dhyana Mandapam. Visitors can sit, relax and meditate over here. The atmosphere here is very calm and serene. A statue of Swami Vivekananda can be seen here. From the rock, one can check out the breath taking view of the merging of the three major water bodies namely Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
Built In : 1970
Built By : Shri Eknath Ranade, Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee
How to Reach : The memorial is easily reachable from Kanyakumari via boats and ferries, which are provided for the tourists round the clock.
Located in the midst of the ocean, just 400 meters from Kanyakumari, is the magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This colossal structure was built in the year 1970, under the guidance of Shri Eknath Ranade. The Vivekananda rock temple is dedicated to one of the greatest spiritual philosophers of India, Swami Vivekananda. It is said that Swami Vivekananda meditated here before setting out on one of the most crucial religious campaigns in India in 1892. The idea of building Vivekananda Memorial Rock temple was conceptualized on his birth centenary in the year 1962.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built with a blend of traditional as well as contemporary architectural styles of India. A life size statue of Swami Vivekananda has been set up inside the memorial. The rock has always been considered as holy and according to Hindu mythology, Goddess Devi Kumari has blessed the rock with the touch of her sacred feet. It is thus known as 'Sripada Parai'. In fact, there is a projection on the rock that resembles a human foot and is brownish in color, which is regarded as Sri Padam.
The memorial has two main structures known as the Shripada Mandapam and the Vivekananda Mandapam. The Shripada Mandapam has the main sanctum sanctorum surrounded by an outer platform. The Vivekananda Mandapam has a meditation hall known as Dhyana Mandapam. Visitors can sit, relax and meditate over here. The atmosphere here is very calm and serene. A statue of Swami Vivekananda can be seen here. From the rock, one can check out the breath taking view of the merging of the three major water bodies namely Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
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