Taj Mahal Persia and the garnets from Bundelkhand.

(3RD)( Mumtaz Mahal's final resting-place was ornamented like a jewel-box of a Queen. The construction of Taj Mahal took 22 years and as much as 32 crore rupees to complete! )It is said that Shahjahan wa (1ST)(The Taj Mahal is situated in Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is located in Agra city around 210 kms away from New Delhi, the capital of India). Taj Mahal is well known as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles. It has been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983 and is one of the 7 wonders of the world! It is made of pure white marble. The marble shimmers in silvery white color in the moonlight and at the end of day reflects the fiery tints of the setting sun. The Taj Mahal in all its timeless beauty still remains an inspiration for writers, poets, painters and photographers.

Lovers still meet here in the full moon nights in the shadow of the world's most famous monument of love. (2ND)(The Taj Mahal stands on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built in the memory of the stunningly beautiful Mumtaz by Shahjahan . )In 1631, Shahjahan went on an expedition to the south India and as always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. But unfortunately she died in childbirth at Burhanpur. It is interesting to know she had given birth to fourteen children, of whom only four sons and three daughters survived. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. Shahjahan did go into the deep sadness. Historical documents say that, there was no music, no celebration and no feasting of any kind in those 2 years. Shahjahan then decided to erect a memorial to his queen in pristine marble that the world would never forget. The site selected for the tomb was a garden on Yamuna River's bank. The site was also chosen because it could be seen from Shahjahan's personal palace in Agra Fort. Work on the museum began in 1633 and 22,000 workers labored for 17 and half years to build it! The most skilled architects, calligraphers, inlay craftsmen, stonecarvers and masons came from all across India and abroad. An expert in building the double dome came from Persia, The master mason was from Baghdad and an inlay specialist from Delhi was invited. The building material was also imported from different places. The corals came from Arabia, Onyx and amethyst from nted to build the replica just on the opposite river bank but with black marble. But the estimated cost was around 4 times the construction cost of Taj Mahal. For the reason he had to drop the idea. The Taj Mahal is and will remain in the heart of every lover throughout the world. It is an experience which you should have at least once in a lifetime!

Information on Agra Red Fort, India

Red Fort

Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort. The colossal walls are 20 feet high and the whole fort is encircled by a fetid moat. Amar Singh gate towards the south is the only entry point in the fort. The building and structures inside the fort gives an impression of a city within the city. Many of the buildings inside the fort are now closed for the public. The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is

one of the most stunningly beautiful mosques in India. (The monuments insided the fort are )described below in detail. Diwan-e-Am ) (This structure was originally made out of wood but was later constructed in the present form by Shah Jahan. )The throne room bears a clear influence of Shah Jahan style with the inlaid carvings and panels of marble with floral motifs. This hall of public hearing is the place where the Emperor heard the petitions of the public and met the officials. The hall of public hearing gives way to the Nagina Mosque and the Ladies bazar where only ladies merchants were allowed to sell items to the Moghal ladies. Diwan-e-Khas This was the hall of private audience. Shah Jahan added this hall. This hall is divided into two rooms connected by three arches and it was here that the famous peacock throne was kept before being shifted to Delhi by Aurangzeb and finally carried away to Iran. Octagonal Tower This exquisitely carved tower is close to the Diwan-eKhas. It was here that Shah Jahan spent the last seven years of his life imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The tower was considered to provide one of the best views of the Taj but today pollution has reduced the visibility. The tower is in bad shape, but blank spaces and the

empty inlay works give an idea how this building must have looked in those days. Jehangir Palace Akbar built this Palace for his favorite son Jehangir to provide him with all comforts and luxuries inside the fort. Mina Masjid Just above the Sheesh Mahal is situated the Mina Masjid, which is believed to be constructed by Shahjahan for strictly private use. The Mina Masjid is enclosed on all the four sides by high walls. The marble mosque has three small arches in its facade, which are plain and unadorned. Moti Masjid Moti Masjid is situated to the right of Diwan-E-Aam of the Agra Fort. One can see the domes of the Moti Masjid, which is the prettiest of all the buildings at Agra Fort. Moti Masjid is a white marble structure built by Shahjahan for his family members and court chiefs. Moti Masjid made out of white marble is one of the ancient mosques situated in Agra. It used to shine like a pearl once upon a time and hence the name. Machhi Bhawan Opposite to the Diwan-E-Khas is the machhi bhawan, the fish enclosure. The emperor sat on the white marble platform facing the enclosure. It once contained pools

and marble fountains, which were carried off by the Jat Raja Suraj Mal to his palace at Deeg. Sheesh Mahal Opposite to the Mussaman Burj and just below the Diwan-E- Khas hall is the Sheesh Mahal or the glass palace. It is believed to to have been the harem dressing room and its walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors, which are the best specimens of glass mosaic decoration in India. Jahangiri Mahal This is the first notable building inside the Agra Fort. It was built by Akbar as women's quarters and is the only building that survives among his original palace buildings. It is built of stone and is simply decorated in the exterior. This elegant, double storeyed building reflects a strong hindu influence with protruding balconies and domed chhatris. Anguri Bagh These formal 85 square geometric gardens lie to the left of the fort. During shahjahan's time, the beauty of the gardens was considerably enhanced by decorative flower beds. Golden Pavilions The curved chala roofs of the small pavilions by the Khaas Mahal are based on the roof shape of Bengali village huts constructed out of curved bamboo, designed to keep off heavy rains. The shape was first expressed in

stone by the sultans of Bengal. These pavilions are tradtionally associated with shahjahan's daughters: Roshnara and Jahannara Begum. Musamman Burj On the left of the Khaas Mahal is the Musamman Burj. It is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. With its openness, elevation and the benefit of cool evening breezees flowing in off the Yamuna River, this could be well have been used also as the emperor's bedroom. This is where Shah Jahan lay on his deathbed, gazing at Taj Mahal.

Information on Qutub Minar, Delhi, India

Qutub Minar

(1ST)(Qutub Minar has a stand alone place in the prime attractions amongst all the historical monuments of India. The word 'Qutub' means 'pole of justice'. It is situated in Delhi, the capital of India. The monument can be seen from most parts of the old city. Qutub Minar is among the tallest and famous towers in the world. )It is the tallest brick minaret in the world. The minar has been listed to UNESCO world heritage list. It is a great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The Minar is made of red sandstone. Height of Qutub Minar is 72.5mts. It is an architectural marvel of the 13th century.(2ND) (It was constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century )for celebrating the victory of Mohammed Ghori over the Rajputs and was completed in the 13th century by his successors. It is one of the best examples of Indo Islamic architecture. It

was viewed in those times as a symbol of the military might of the Turko-Afghan dynasty and Islam. Qutub Minar is in a long conical shape. The monument's diameter ranges from 14.3 meters at the base to 2.7 meters at the top. This creates the illusion of increased height. It has 379 round shaped staircases inside it. This stairway leads to a spectacular view of the city from the top of Qutub Minar. The tower has five distinct stories, which are separated by balconies. The first three stories are made of red sandstone. When lightning knocked off the fourth in 1368, Qutub Minar was restored by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who added a fourth and fifth floor which are made of marble and sandstone. The walls of the minar are carved intricately and inscribed with verses from Muslim's holy mythological scripture The Quran. The Minar contains numerous inscriptions in Devnagari and Arabic characters, which narrate its history. In the year 1505, earthquake struck the Minar. It was repaired by Sikandar Lodi. Later on in the year 1794, another earthquake was faced by the minar and it was an engineer Major Smith, who repaired the affected parts of the minar. But in last few years, because of some suicide cases and destroying mentality incidents, the minar came into light for bad reasons. The Qutub Minar is a place to treasure for our coming generations. So that they can feel proud for architectural knowledge our forefathers had.

(1st)(India Gate is constructed as a memorial and was built in the memory of 90,00 soldiers who laid down their lives during world war Ist).(2nd)( Located at Rajpath), India Gate is 42 m high and is popular relaxation area during the summer evenings. India Gate also act as popular pinic spot during winter.(3rd)( Also known as the All India War Memorial, India Gate was designed and constructed by Lutyens). He was the who is considered the chief proclaimer in designing the New Delhi plans.

The Architectural Marvel. A tour of Lutyens Delhi just has to kick off with the stately India Gate at the east end of the broad Janpath (earlier Kingsway) that leads to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Another additional 13,516 names engraved on the arch and foundations form a separate memorial to the British and Indian soldiers killed on the North-West Frontier in the Afghan War of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by HRH the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and the monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later after India had said goodbye to its imperial rulers. It is in the form of a flame that burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who perished in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. The entire arch stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone and rises in stages to a huge cornice, beneath which are inscribed Imperial suns. Above on both sides is inscribed INDIA, flanked by MCM and to the right, XIX. The shallow

domed bowl at the top was intended to be filled with burning oil on anniversaries but this is rarely done. Quick bytes Location : Famous As : Designed By : Height : New Delhi All India War Memorial Edwin Lutyens In 1921 42m

The Breathtaking View of India Gate Nowadays, if you drive down the smooth wide expanse of Rajpath on a midsummer night, you might be excused for assuming that a huge glittering carnival is in progress at India Gate. The entire boulevard up to the monument is lined with cars, scooters, motorcycles and what-have-you. In fact all of Delhi seems to have converged to the emerald lawns of India Gate. The air is thick with chatter, laughter and the cries of assorted vendors peddling their wares. You can snack on anything from fruit chaat (fruit salad with hot, spicy dressing), through bhelpuri (a snack of puffed rice, spices and hot, sweet and sour chutney), chana jor garam (spicy chickpeas), dal ka pakodas (fried lentil-flour dumplings), potato chips to ice cream, candy floss and aerated drinks. A Perfect Place For A Halt Most of the revellers come equipped with balls, Frisbees or just a pack of playing cards. But India Gate has lots to offer

in the name of entertainment. You can watch monkeys perform, enjoy a camel ride, blow soap bubbles all over the lawns, play with balloons and even get your insides turned inside out on a ferris wheel. But if you ask us, the best thing to do is to loll on the cool lawns, lick a bar of ice candy and watch the floodlit arch and the fountains nearby that seem magically lit up with coloured lights.

India Gate, Delhi, India The first place which pops into any Indians mind while remembering the sacrifice of brave soldiers of India, is the place called India gate. The place in the capital of India. The relation of sacrifice and India gate is very close. India Gate is constructed as a memorial for the memory 90,000 soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I and second Afghan war in 1919. Located at Rajpath, New Delhi, it is also known as the All India War Memorial Constructed in sandstone, the gate is 42 meters in height and is popular relaxation area during the summer evenings. For Delhites gate also act as popular picnic spot during winter. The foundation stone of this magnanimous structure was laid in 1921 by the Duke of Connaught and dedicated to the nation in 1931 by the hands of Viceroy, Lord Irwin. The gate has arch at the top .The height of the arch is 87'6" internally and136' externally. (4th)(India Gate is

also credited as the first gate to be constructed in New Delhi). The names of the soldiers in the memory of whom the Gate was constructed has been inscribed on its walls. Amar Jawan Jyoti: Charminar Charminar is a monument located in the City of Hyderabad which is the capital city of the State of Andhra Pradesh in South India. The Charminar (Urdu: "Four Minars") monument, built in the center of Hyderabad by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 as a commemoration of the eradication of a plague.Charminar is one of the most important landmarks of the city. The monument was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the eradication of plague, shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golconda to what now is known as Hyderabad. Legends tell that the emperor Quli Qutb Shah prayed for the end of plague and took the vow to build a masjid on that very place. He ordered the construction of the masjid which became popular as Charminar because of its four characteristic minarets. The top floor of the four-storeyed structure has a masjid which has 45 covered prayer spaces and some open space to accommodate more people in Friday prayers.

Information on Mysore Palace, India

The most attractive monument in Mysore that strikes the visitor is the Mysore Palace. It was completed in 1911 on the foundations of the old Palace that was destroyed by fire in 1897. The well-known architect Henry Irwin designed it. The palace has now been converted into a museum displaying souvenirs, paintings, jewellery, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. The exterior of the Palace has Indo-Saracenic features with a series of domes and arches. The building is 245 feet in length and 156ft in breadth and the gold-plated dome at the centre is about 145 feet from the ground. This three storeyed structure has beautifully designed square towers at various cardinal points covered by domes, some of them of ochre colour. Many varieties of stones like granite, gneiss and trap of dark grey and

ochre colours have been used. Craftsmen from Jaipur and Agra along with local workers were engaged for crafting them. Exquisitely carved doors open into stunningly luxurious rooms. The front of the palace has an open balcony supported by massive circular columns. The interior of the palace, especially the Durbar Hall is richly decorated. Replete with ornate ceilings, intricately carved massive doors, gleaming floors, frescoes depicting scenes from the epics Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, the entire scene exudes royal splendour. The frontal open space, which is wide and the open quadrangle in the middle of the building, provides natural air conditioning. Arrangements to keep the various parts of the building cool are contemplated. Domes, parapet balconies, verandahs, minarets, cupolas and arches combine harmoniously to make the building a veritable masterpiece of lasting beauty. To the south of the building is the marriage pavilion or the Kalyana Mantapa with a centre octagonal gabled roof, covered by stained glasses. Tall slender cast iron pillars are arranged ingroups of three at the corners of the central octagon. These iron pillars got wrought at Glasgow in Scotland. The flooring of this magnificent Kalyana Mantapa has artistic geometrical patterns created by using glittering glazed tiles imported from England. The building has gorgeous chandeliers of Czechoslovakian make.

Meenakshi Temple The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is commonly referred to as the Meenakshi temple. The temple forms the heart and lifeline for the 2500 year old city of Madurai that is believed to be the home for the classical language of Tamil.According to the Hindu legends, Lord Shiva with his divine group of followers appeared here in this city of Madurai, to marry the daughter of the Pandya ruler, Meenakshi, who is believed to be a form of Hindu goddess Parvati. This temple is one of the most sacred abodes of Parvathi, others being Kamakshi of Kanchipuram, Akilandeswari of Thiruvanaikaval and Vishalakshi of Varanasi.

Information on Golconda Fort, India

Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort is situated on the Western outskirts of Hyderabad 11 kms west of the city. The fort built in the 13th century served the kings as a stronghold, administrative centre and market place. Before the city of Hyderabad was founded the Deccan was ruled from Golconda fort. Founded originally by the Kakatiya's in the 13th century, the fort was taken over by the Bhaamani kings, subsequently passing to the Qutub Shahi Kings. The existing structure was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort with granite walls and ramparts extending some 5-km in circumference over a period of 62 years. The Fortress City within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and Ko-hi-noor diamond is said to have come from here. The name originates from the Telugu words "Golla" and "Konda" - 'Shepard's hill'. Famous features of Golconda includes its system of acoustics - a hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the Bala Hissar, the highest point almost a kilometer away.

Golconda is also known for its Palaces, factories, water supply system and the famous Rahban cannon. Elephanta Caves

Information on Elephanta Caves, Mumbai

Elephanta Caves The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11-km from Mumbai and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Elephanta, being a commercial, military and religious center for centuries has traces of early Buddhist culture. The Elephanta caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings belonging to the period between 9th - 12th centuries. Legends and history suggest that the great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll, raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Some historians also suggest that these caves were built by the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja in 6th century AD. The entire cave temple

complex covers an area of about 60, 000 square feet. The World of Lord Shiva, Elephanta is the place where the main events in the mythology of Lord Shiva are depicted most powerfully, consistently and exclusively. At Ellora though other Gods appear on the panel with Shiva, but at Elephanta there is nothing but Shiva. According to Hindu Mythology three Gods govern their world : Brahma -- the creator, Vishnu -- the Preserver and Maheshwara -- the Destroyer. Elephanta has a story that there was a pillar whose end could not be found. Even the Gods failed to determine the length of the pillar. The temples in the Elephanta caves and the carvings on the walls show Shiva in different moods and shapes, Lord Shiva practicing Yoga, Lord Shiva meditating with snakes coiled around his neck, and at places Shiva is in the company of his wife, Parvati. Panel 6 of the caves represents the marriage of Shiva with Parvati with the rites being performed by Brahma and scores of other Gods attending the marriage. Panel 5 of the cave describes the coming of Ganga from heaven to Earth. As the great force of Ganga might have destroyed the Earth, she lands in the hair locks of Shiva who then gently releases her. The wise and righteous Lord before whom the forces of evil and ignorance, flee, and are terrified into submission is carved on the 7th panel. Similarly other wall panels narrate the story of Lord Shiva. On the western end is the sanctuary of Linga

denoting the essence of creative power, in which Lord Shiva is worshipped as the Lord of Fertility and Procreation. The Monasteries of Ajanta lead us directly to Elephanta. It appears that the same families of craftsmen and sculptors who were working on the Kailasa temple of Ellora and adjoining Buddhist caves at Ellora were employed at Elephanta. An exquisite ensample of rockcut artistry, can be found here. No doubt the cave was the creation of an unknown genius, a master architect, who having thoroughly absorbed and assimilated the magnificent contribution of his predecessors in the dual traditions of the independent free standing sculpture and rock-cut architecture, produced a monument which introduced a whole new world of form, quite distinct from any previous achievement. The sculptors carved out of solid basalt rock, a representation of the heavenly mountain residence of Lord Shiva. Opening out from three sides, the temple lets in light from many angles making the sculptures seem to move with the changing angles of light. The temple plan is so symmetric with important focal points worked out in a geometric Mandala (the design that represents the energy field). The pillars inside the cave give an impression that these pillars support the roof. Again the cross beams on the roof makes the visitor feel there is a ceiling of the caves. The pillars have been deliberately kept simple as to attract the attention towards the exquisite carvings on the panels, which are nine in number. There are three openings to

the caves, which allows light to enter from various angles in different seasons giving an expression that the images are moving with transition of light.

Information on Golden Temple, India

Golden Temple The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the most exalted of all Sikh shrines. For the Sikh community the Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara better known as Golden Temple is the final spiritual vision. Four centuries ago, the third Sikh Guru Amar Das asked Guru Ram Das (successor of Guru Amar Das) to build a central place for the congregation of the Sikhs and thus the Golden Temple was built. Guru Arjan Dev completed the work started by Guru Ram Das in the 16th century. The followers of Guru Arjan Dev settled in a nearby town that later was called Amritsar.

The first Sikh Maharaja, Ranjit Singh, made Amritsar his spiritual capital while Lahore was the temporal seat of his newly founded expanding kingdom. Ranjit Singh oversaw the temple's further development, gilding the embossed plates, renewing the pietra dura and embellishing the interior with floral designed, mirrored ceilings. Golden Temple is widely regarded as being amongst the most tastefully decorated shrines anywhere. The art and architecture of the temple has been praised lavishly by generations. The gurdwara has four entrance doors, called deoris, in all four directions-symbolic of the new faith that made no distinction between caste and creed. People could enter and bow in any direction they preferred. The main structure rises from the center of the sacred pool and is approached by a long causeway. The 52-meter, square-based Hari Mandir stands on a square platform, its lower parts marble, and its upper portion fully covered with plates of gilded copper. In the interior, on the ground, the "Guru Granth Sahib" (holy book of the Sikhs) is placed under a jewel-studded canopy. On the first floor is a small pavilion called the Shish Mahal (mirror room). It is ornamented with pieces of mirrors inlaid in the ceiling and walls. Above is another smaller pavilion. Exquisite murals adorn the walls of the pavilions, but other than that, the emphasis is on simplicity. Situated at the other end of the causeway connected to the Harmandir Sahib is the Akal Takht. Literally, it means the eternal throne and its building opposite the temple has a

significance. While the temple stands for the spiritual guidance, the Akal Takht symbolizes the dispensing of justice and temporal activities. During the day, the Guru Granth Sahib is kept in the temple and at night at the Akal Takht. Traditionally all Sikh warriors sought blessings here before going for war.