Cultural Heritage – North
Humayun’s Tomb
Historians say that Humayun’s Tombs architectural brilliance has even influenced the Taj Mahal other many other structures. This construction marvel was built way back in 1570 and is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. The massive double-storeyed gateway and high walls surrounds a square garden which is divided into four large squares separated by causeways and water channels. Each square is further divided again into smaller squares thus forming a typical Mughal garden called charbagh. The tomb was commissioned by his senior widow, Haji Begum, who is said to have spent one and a half millions in the building.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
These ruins from the 12 th century is the perfect time machine. It makes a wondrous experience of walking through the brown land with gigantic structures reeking of age-old architectural finesse and the fetish for everything gigantic. As you stroll through the vast ruins you could come across:
The Qutb Minar: Its 72.5 metres high (237.8 ft) and can be conquered after a gruesome climb of 399 steps straight up. It all started with Qutb-ud-din Aybak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi , trying to outdo the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan . The mammoth work of architectural brilliance that kissed the sky was finished in 1193. It really transcends you into an alternate time zone. A time zone where everything was huge and it was all about thinking-big. It is the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans and a monument signifying the might of Islam.
The Quwwatul Islam Masjid: “The Might of Islam”. That is what Quwwatul Islam Masjid literally translates as. Begun in AD 1192 by Qutbuddin Aibak and is supposed to be the oldest surviving mosques in India. It was built as a tribute to his master Mohammed Ghuri’s victory over the Rajputs. Mud and brick was used as building material and glazed tiles used for decoration. Though it’s known as a wondrous piece of Arabic architecture you could still trace various Hindu elements.
Red Fort
The Red Fort stands tall as a testimony of the royal and glorious Mughal era. Spreading over 94 acres of land it is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh. The tall fortified walls protect the remains of age-old Moghul architectural brilliance that transcends you into a whimsical land. The fort encompasses many wondrous palaces, capacious audience halls, and two spectacular mosques. As per research and other documentation the Red Fort housed about 5000 buildings that were ingeniously built in Bengali and Gujarati style architecture. Now only 30 Mughal buildings tell the story of the Fort and the Moghul era.
The main attraction luring millions include Jahangir’s Palace, Shah Jahan’s Khas Mahal, the Diwan-i-Khas and obviously the wondrous mosques. Discover the imperial city that the Moghuls lived and ruled in!
Fatehpur Sikri
The 16 th Century era never fails to impress many with a fine ostentation of the skills and finesse of craftsman that designed thousands of timeless structures that live to tell tales of the past. And the Fatehpur Sikri is one of them. This World Heritage Site is the perfect example of an Emperors tribute to a saint. Built in reverence of the Sufi saint Salim Chishti way back in 1571 the Fatehpur Sikri is a seamless blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture. The robust red sandstone structures reflect the multi- faceted character of the great Emperor and his keen interest in religion, literature and design. Once the seat of the Mughal Empire the structures comprise of magnificent palaces, lush courtyards, audience halls, the treasury, the harem, soldier’s barracks and mosque housing the shrine of Sheikh Salim Chisthi.
A must see at Fatehpur Sikri are:
Buland Darwaza
Regarded as one of the finest architectural monuments during Akbar’s reign is the juggernaut Buland Darwaza. Rising 40 meters high the gateway is known for its ingenious Mughal designs, simple ornamentation, soaring arches and verses from the Koran.
Jami Masjid
Emperor Akbar took active interest in the functioning of the Jami Masjid, even sweeping its floors and leading prayers. The domes, door, roof and various other interior elements are carved out with finesse.
Jodha Bai’s Palace
The main Palace of Zenana (or harem) is named after the Emperor’s Rajput queen. The stark exterior hides the palace from civil life and all the mundane madness.
Hawa Mahal
This pavilion in Jodha Bai’s Palace is where women could sit as they pondered over everyday chores and did a lot of retrospection as they enjoyed the scenic view and cool breeze.
Taj Mahal
“And to think these days men get away with giving flowers and chocolates to their wives.” Poets have tried to illustrate its beauty in words. Painters have drawn vibrant pictures of it. And musicians have played to large crowds with the Taj in the background.
Termed as one of the world’s seven wonders, the Taj is a complete show-stealer. Standing tall and proud in the city of Agra , Uttar Pradesh, it was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum. It is a massive mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. This universally admired architectural wonder is the best tribute to the spirit of love.
The Taj Mahal is ultimately the culmination of two centuries of evolving designs of the Mughal. The architect is lost in oblivion of the vast pages of history written and re-written. The work on the mausoleum started in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to finish this marvel. It was a joint effort of skilled architects, stone-carvers, calligraphers, inlay craftsmen, and masons from Persia and Turkey . Forming a perfect cube the Taj stands in a landscaped Mughal garden with two sandstone buildings that add up to the beauty of the monument while the four minarets at each corner beautifully frame the tomb. The coloured inlay brings out the sculptural work and relief carvings that are of floral, calligraphic and geometric designs.
The nearest airport to the Taj is that of Delhi . You could take a bus from Delhi to make your way to Agra . The Taj Mahal is a must see. Discover the many faces of the Taj Mahal as you laze in its warm, beautiful surroundings.
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