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Monuments, Cities, Temples and Culture of India

India has a rich legacy of monuments, which are spread all over the country. Such wonderful and colorful monuments, have been the results of the thoughtful and imaginative processes of men, who dared to dream differently and come out with unique architecture, which have become world famous. These beautiful and evocative monuments definitely showcase the versatility of the architectural styles in them. From the Taj Mahal, which is an epitomises LOVE and perfection to the innumerable Forts, Temples & Palace of India, all these monuments display a sense of mystery, intrigue and romance. Even public buildings of daily use like Stepwells, baoris and remote guard towers all epitomise Indian architecture and a love for building grand monuments.

Many such monuments are known for their sprawling landscape filled with halls, pillars and lofty towers with lavish artwork in all forms. Some monuments were built for defence....like the magnificent Chittorgarh Fort & Mehrangarh Fort, whereas some of them were constructed as memorials for the rulers. A striking example of this is the Gateway of India, which was constructed for the British in India. The notable feature about each of the monuments is the exquisite carving work that has survived till date and still receives appreciation from people worldwide.

Indian architecture encompasses a wide variety of geographically and historically spread in its structures, and was transformed by the history of the Indian subcontinent. The diversity of Indian culture is represented in its architecture. Studies of Indian architecture normally begin with the Indus Valley Civilisation, moving through the late Vedic period, the Maurya-Gupta age of Buddhist monuments, monasteries and Indian rock-cut architecture, followed by the great temple-building of the medieval era. Turk and Afghan rulers in the north, during medieval times brought with them West Asian traditions of the arch, the dome and the vault.

The rise of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century established a sophisticated synthesis of Indian regional elements with ideas from Persia and West Asia, a pan-Indian style that was adopted across the subcontinent even by post-Mughal rulers and recognised today as Mughal architecture. The subsequent European colonization of India paved the way for the entry of styles from that continent, including Mannerist, Baroque, Neo-Classical and Neo-Gothic styles, which were followed in the late 19th century by the hybrid Indo-European style called the Indo-Saracenic style.

Even some of the Cities of India bear architectural characteristics unique in themselves. Medieval India was formed of many city states and each city had its own character which was evident in its architecture. Some unique medieval Indian cities are Jaisalmer, Bikaner,  Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bhuj etc.

Principle Monuments in India can be divided under the following categories :

• Forts of India
• Palaces of India
• Temples of India
• Tombs of Rulers
• Indian Cities
• Others