(Compiled by Aparna Sajinath)
Located on the banks of Yamuna in Agra, the Taj Mahal is a tomb made out of white marble in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra is believed to be the first Buddhist cave monument, dating back to 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. There are 30 caves in all, including the unfinished ones, excavated from the cliffs above the Waghora River.
Also known as the Queen’s Stepwell, it is located on the banks of the river Saraswati in Patan, Gujarat. It was built in 1063 by Rani Udayamati in memory of her husband Bhimdev I. It can be seen on the Rs 100 note.
An architectural representation of Surya’s Chariot, Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is a great example of eastern Indian architecture. The name combines two words ‘Kona’ meaning ‘corner’ and ‘Arka’ meaning ‘sun’.
The red sandstone tower built during the reign of Qutb ud-Din Aibak is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. At 72.5m, it is the tallest masonry tower in India and encompasses elements of Hindu and Jain temples, too.
Also known as the City of Victory, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. A small city located in the Agra district, it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for around a decade.
Located in Tamil Nadu, the Chola temples are fine pieces of architecture constructed by the kings of the Chola Dynasty. The temples show the accomplishments of the Cholas through architecture, paintings, and sculptures.
An astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the early 18th century, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a brilliant example of the architectural and astronomical mastery of the medieval.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is an ideal example of Victorian Gothic architecture merged with features of traditional Indian architecture.
Being the remnant of the vanished civilisation of the kingdom of Vijayanagara, the city of Hampi comprises many ancient temples and palaces. The architecture and cultural beauty of the city make it popular.