Project work PTS -4
Project work PTS -4My subject: - The Indian Monuments Contents
:1. Introduction
2. History about India
3. Importance of monuments in tourism
4. Indian monuments and their structure and their history
5. How to save our monuments?
Introduction :- Hello this is my project work on Indian
monuments. Here I want you to introduce my project work. In my
project I select the main tourism subject, as we all know that
Indian tourism is mostly rely on monuments, only these monuments
are the reason which make foreigners attracts towards our country.
If we talk about Qutab-minar, Taj-Mahal or even other monuments.
Tourism means when people spent their holidays in enjoyments and
they spent money for that, but what if the money is not spend by
them at a right place...Also it doesnt matter where they spend
their money, but the most basis question is that what attracts a
tourist most? What they want to know about a country? Why monument
stake most strong place in Indian tourism? Yes, these questions are
all over on your mind thats why I go through these questions and
found some answers for you. Hope you will get all your answers. I
thanks for Google for making my project work so successful. If you
found any mistake or you want to know any thing about this
information you can mail your suggestion and comments ..
thanks.History about India
The history of India :- begins with evidence of human activity
of Homo sapiens as long as 75,000 years ago, or with earlier
hominids including. Homo erectus from about 500,000 years ago. The
Indus Valley Civilization, which spread and flourished in th-e
north western part of the Indian subcontinent from c. 3300 to 1300
BCE, was the first major civilization in India. A sophisticated and
technologically advanced urban cultured eveloped in the Mature
Harappan period, from 2600 to 1900 BCE. This Bronze Age
civilization collapsed before the end of the second millennium BCE
and was followed by the Iron Age Vedic Civilization, which extended
over much of the Indo-Gangetic plain and which witnessed the rise
of major polities known as the Mahajanapadas. In one of these
kingdoms, Magadha, Mahaviraand, Gautama Buddha were born in the 6th
or 5th century BCE and propagated their sramanic philosophies.
Almost all of the subcontinent was conquered by the Maurya Empire
during the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. It subsequently became
fragmented, with various parts ruled by numerous Middle kingdoms
for the next 1,500 years. This is known as the classical period of
Indian history, during which India has sometimes been estimated to
have had the largest economy of the ancient and medieval world,
controlling between one third and one fourth of the world's wealth
up to the 18th century. Much of northern and central India was once
again united in the 4th century CE, and remained so for two
centuries thereafter, under the Gupta Empire. This period,
witnessing a Hindu religious and intellectual resurgence, is known
among its admirers as the "Golden Age of India". During the same
time, and for several centuries after wards, southern India, under
the rule of the Chalukyas, Cholas, Pallavas, and Pandyas,
experienced its own golden age. During this period, aspects of
Indian civilization, administration, culture, and religion
(Hinduism and Buddhism) spread to much of Asia. The southern state
of Kerala had maritime business links with the Roman Empire from
around 77 CE. Islam was introduced in Kerala through this route by
Muslim traders. Muslim rule in the subcontinent began in 712 CE
when the Arab general Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh and
Multanin southern Punjab, setting the stage for several successive
invasions from Central Asia between the 10th and 15th centuries CE,
leading to the formation of Muslim empires in the Indian
subcontinent such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.
Mughal rule came to cover most of the northern parts of the
subcontinent. Mughal rulers introduced Middle Eastern art and
architecture to India. In addition to the Mughals andvarious Rajput
kingdoms, several independent Hindu states, such as the Vijayan
agara Empire, the Maratha Empire, and the Ahom Kingdom, flourished
contemporaneously in southern, western, and northeastern India
respectively. The Mughal Empire suffered agara dual decline in the
early 18th century, which provided opportunities for the Afghans,
Sikhs, and Marathas to exercise control over large areas in the
northwest of the subcontinent until the British East India Company
gained ascendancy over South Asia. Beginning in the mid-18th
century and over the next century, India was gradually annexed by
the British East India Company. Dissatisfaction with Company rule
led to the Indian Rebellion of 1857,after which India was directly
administered by the British Crown and witnessed a period of both
rapid development of infrastructure and economic decline. During
the first half of the 20th century, a nation wide struggle for
independence was launched by the Indian National Congress and later
joined by the Muslim League. The subcontinent gained independence
from the United Kingdom in 1947, after being partitioned into the
dominions of India and Pakistan. Importance of monuments in tourism
:-
A monument is a type of structure either explicitly created to
commemorate a person or important event or which has become
important to a social group as a part of their remembrance of past
events. They are frequently used to improve the appearance of a
city or location.India is a land where wonderful temples and
monuments remind visitors about its rich traditions and cultural
diversity. I believe that no trip to India can ever be complete
without a visit to the House of Worship, also known as the Lotus
Temple and it is this monument that I would advise a first time
visitor to India, to discover. Located in New Delhi, the Lotus
Temple is one of the most beautiful monuments of the faith built in
1986 by Fariborz Sahba. The temple is designed in the shape of a
half opened Lotus with 27 petals made of marble, each springing
from a podium, which elevates the building above the surrounding
plain. The nine ponds that surround the magnificent structure
showcase the temple like a Lotus floating in water. The Lotus, the
national flower of India, signifies the rich Indian culture and is
symbolic of love, peace and purity. Thus, the temple magically
combines traditional Indian culture with modern engineering
techniques. The Lotus Temple provides a perfect environment to
meditate and gain wisdom. It conveys the teachings of the faith -
the oneness of god, oneness of religions and oneness of mankind. I
find it interesting that in this modern world, where society is
divided on the basis of religion, race and caste and where
terrorism has found a foot hold, the Lotus Temple, the eternal
monument of peace and unity is among the worlds most visited
monuments, drawing visitors from all parts of the globe.
Indian Monuments and their structure and their history:-
India is among one of the rare and unique countries in the world
which stands for its ancient cultures and traditions, which range
through a span of centuries. It is clearly evident from the remains
of the ancient monuments and traces in the different parts of
India. The Indian monuments are the living examples which takes us
back to thousands of years and helps in exploring the history of
India. These monuments in India offers a great help to study and
know more about the ancient civilizations of India. These monuments
also attracts a large number of tourist from all over the world.
The famous monuments of India can be classified into the monuments
of South, North, West and East of India. The ancient Indian
monuments have a rare and unique architecture, which tells about
the story of ancient India. These monuments across India is
considered to be the real treasure of India, which is being
preserved with great importance. Among the Indian monuments, Taj
Mahal is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world.
India has lost many of its important and great historic monuments,
due to the invasions of the foreign powers for a long period. The
monuments in India mark the presence of some great force sand
influences such as Mughal dynasty, Rajputana Empire and the
Dravidian era. The monuments are built for the future generations
to let the coming world know about their forefathers. The monuments
in India are timeless wonders which inspire people to create
something more beautiful and architecturally superb. There are many
monuments in India which are built in the center of big lakes,
himalayan valleys, large rivers, deserts, deep forest etc. Many of
the Indian monuments were destroyed or partially destructed, either
due to the fall of the ruling empire or due to some natural
calamities. The ancient monuments in India has also boosted the
tourism scenario of India, as a lot of foreigners flood to India to
have a glimpse of these historical monuments in India. The tourist
are too much attracted with these ancient Indian monuments, which
tells the story of ancient India. Some of these monuments in India
are also pilgrimage centers for various religions. The style and
architecture of these ancient and heritage monuments varies rapidly
as we go from the north to the south of India. Some of the
monuments of India are perfect mixture of Persian, European and
Indian style and architecture.
India is blessed with number of world heritage monuments
showcasing the breath taking architecture and intricate work. The
monuments of India are living testimony which pull us back to that
particular era and helps us in exploring the history of India.
Indian monuments have a rare and astonishing unique architecture
which tell us the story of by gone era. Monuments of India are
considered as the real treasure and are preserved with great
importance. Behind each monument there is an underlying sense of
mystery, intrigue and romance. Five thousand years of Indian
History has given us the treasure of thousands of monuments across
the country, monuments belonging to Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and
Christians. The monuments of India are not only fairy tales carved
out of stones, bricks, and mortar narrating the tales of valor and
courage of Indian rulers. The famous monuments of India lure
tourist from all over the globe and these can be classified into
the monuments of South, North, West and East India. It should
mention here that the seventh wonder of the world the Taj-Mahal is
an Indian Monument. Each and every monuments of India are an
architectural feat in itself, they are splendid sample of amazing
artistry, creating a sense of deception and romance. Be it the
majestic Taj-Mahal in white marvel or stone splendor Red Fort; or
spellbinding temples of Khajuraho temple, Konark and Hampi, or the
caves of Ajana Ellora. Visit India in order to spectacle the
miraculous beauty of Indian monuments.1. Taj Mahal -A Marvel of
Love
Take a constitutional down Shahjahan Park in the chilly mauve
light of dawn, and the pale white dome of the Taj Mahal, India
looms in the distance. Set against the azure sky line, it looks
like a mirage in a desert. Inch closer and the supreme majesty of
the greatest monument to love comes into focus with its dew-coated
lawns and its pearl-white mausoleum. Travel to Taj Mahal Agra to
baptize into the true glory of this passion of love. As the
sunrises to cast a reverential beam on the sepulchre, the dream in
marble turns from lavender to yellow, while nightfall sees the
monument bathed in moonlight looking like a woman wreathed in
smiles while waiting for her lover. There are many theories as at
which time the Taj Mahal, India looks the best, but there is no
substitute to viewing it at all hours of the day and the night if
you want to under stand its myriad facets. Taj Mahal, India is a
microcosm of the universe it contains within it both the yin and
the yang, taking on a new personality to suit the occasion. It can
be harsh, dry and strong like alabaster, delicately chaste and
fragile like porcelain, noisily populous or quiet and
secretive.Quick bytes
stateUttar pradesh
locationTaj mahal stands majestically in agra city on the banks
of river yamuna.
watch outTaj museum, closed on Mondays and fridays.
look outTaj mahotsav, february, held for 10 days.
The History Manifest :-
Taj Mahal India was made in commemoration of Arjumand Bano
Begum. The queen was married at the age of 21 to emperor Jahangir's
son Khurram. During all the phases of Khurram life, Arjumand Bano
Begum supported him through out. She was like a supporting pillar
in his life. In AD 1628, Khurram became king after a bloody battle
of succession. He changed his name from Khurram to Shahjahan or the
King of the World. Arjumand Bano also changed her name from Mumtaz
Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal was not destined to be a queen for a long
period of time. She died at the age of 39 while delivering a child
at Burhanpur. That auspicious day turned into a mournful event.
When Arjumand Banu Begum (better known as Mumtaz Mahal) died in
child birth in 1629, her husband, Emperor Shah Jahan immortalized
their love by building the dream in marble the finest illustration
of Mughal architecture. The dream took over 22 years to fructify
and over 20,000 craftsmen were employed to build it.
Designing of Taj :-
Who designed the Taj Mahal India is shrouded in mystery some
historians credit the Venetian architect Veroneo with its
construction, while others believe it was the work of a Persian
called Ustad Isa. But we do know of the lesser luminaries connected
to it with certainty the central dome was built by Ismail Effendi
from Turkey, the calligrapher was Amanat Khan from Shiraz, the
mosaicist, Chiranji Lal hailed from Delhi while the goldsmith,
Qazim Khan was summoned from Lahore. A story which is probably
apocryphal but has been doing the rounds for generations, says that
Shah Jahan had the chief masons right hand amputated to preclude
him from replicating the marvel in marble anywhere else in the
world.
Taj Nestles On The Banks of Yamuna River
Located at the southern end of the city on the banks of the
Yamuna River, the site where the Taj stands belonged to a Hindu
nobleman, Raja Man Singh. Abdul Rehman Lahori, the court historian
recorded that five million rupees were spent on the building a
kings ransom in those days. Once complete, the upkeep of the
mausoleum and its 42-acre garden was funded with there venue
obtained from 30 neighboring villages. There are three lofty
gateways to the Tajmahel complex. The central portal is richly
decorated with floral arabesques and is inscribed with passages
from the Koran. A huge forecourt leads onto a lush garden, which is
divided by an aqueduct. The main monument is a two storied
octagonal building with a huge rotunda as its crowning glory. Four
sky-scraper tall minarets position themselves as sentries on each
side of the monument all built out of brick and encased in marble.
The graves of the celebrated duo, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are
housed in the catacomb below. The Taj is remarkable for its perfect
proportions and rich pietra dura, and every minutiae in the
monument has been etched with consummate skill. In a nutshell, the
Taj is the Embodiment of the Islamic Concept of Paradise
The Architectural Marvel - Paradise on Earth :-
In the Kuran, the garden symbolizes paradise. Islam originated
in the deserts of Arabia where greenery and water was very much
coveted. Gardens underneath which rivers flow is a phrase, that
appears no less than 30 times in the Koran. The four main rivers of
paradise are also mentioned: water, milk, wine and purified
honey.
It is unmistakable that Shah Jahan conceptualized the Taj Mahal
as heaven on earth. As you enter the gates of the Taj, it is like
an ingression into heaven. The water courses divide the garden into
quadrants. It was Babur who had introduced the char-bagh
(four-garden) concept into India. The imagery is threefold: it is a
symbol of paradise to reward the faithful; an oasis from the dry
desert heat; and a summation of the secular tradition of the royal
pleasure garden. and the watercourse, which divides the garden into
four, epitomizes both, the life source and the meeting of man and
God. In this context, the spacious lawns surrounding the Taj Mahal
become as important as the mausoleum it self. Your travel trip to
Taj definitely leaves you mesmerize, a Paradise on Earth really
summarizes its ethereal appeal the monument rivals any of the other
wonders of the world.Taj Mahotsav :-
The best time to visit this 17 th century monument is during Taj
Mahotsav. Taj Mahotsavis 10 day saga held annually at Shilpgram,
near Taj Mahal. Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk
artists and master craftsmen together recreate the glorious past of
the Mughals. During this fest, Taj Mahal comes alive with culture
and traditions. Taj Mahostav provides an opportunity to its
artisans to perform their art and craft. You can actually purchase
crafts which includes wood carvings from Saharanpur, handmade
carpets of Badohi, the pottery of Khurja, chickan-work of Lucknow,
the silk of Banares and much more. Through Taj Mahotsav, performers
get a platform to showcase profusion of folk music and dances of
Dundelkhand, 'Nautanki' (Drama), 'Sapera' dance of Rajasthan,
Lavani of Maharashtra.Shopping At Taj Mahal :-
Just at the entrance, there are number of shops. These shops
sells exquisite crafts and arts at affordable price. You can
purchase leather work, footwear and embroidery. Infect, you small
Taj Mahal miniature made of white marble are quite popular amongst
the tourists.
Getting to Taj Mahal:-Air :-Just 7 kms from Agra city lies
Kheria airport. From Delhi, Indira Gandhi Airport, Taj Mahal is
just 204 kms away.
Rail :-The nearest rail head for the Taj Mahal is Agra
Cantonment railway station. The city is connected with Palace on
Wheels, Shatabdi and Taj Express.
Road:- Express bus service are available from Delhi, Jaipur,
Lucknow, Gwalior, and Jhansi.Accommodation at Taj Mahal :-
Taj-Mahal is one of the major attractions of Agra India. Due to
its locale, Taj-Mahal offers best of accommodation facilities.
Five Star Hotel :- Hotel Clark Shiraj
Hotel Taj view
Three Star Hotel
Hotel Deedar-e-Taj
Hotel Amar
Hotel Mansingh Palace
Major Tour packages to taj mahal :- India heritage tours (9
nights/10 days) palace on wheels train tour (8 nights/9 days)
pilgrimage in india (24 nights/25 days)
2.Jantar MantarAn Observatory:-
The Jantar Mantar was built in 1710 by Raja Jai Singh II of
Jaipur (1699-1743) in Delhi. This is an observatory consisting of
mason-built astronomical instruments to chart the course of the
heavens. Jai Singh, who was a very scholarly king with a very keen
interest in astronomy and astrology, had other observatories built
too in Ujjain, Jaipur, Mathura (which no longer survives) and
Varanasi. The first among these was this one in Delhi. The yantras
(instruments, which has been distorted to Jantar) are built of
brick rubble and plastered with lime. The yantras have evocative
names like, samrat yantra, jai prakash, ram yantra and niyati
chakra; each of which are used to for various astronomical
calculations.
3.India Gate
All India War Memorial :-
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
1. Located at Rajpath, India Gate is 42 m high and is popular
relaxation area during the summer evenings. India Gate also act as
popular picnic spot during winter. 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 Co naught 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 good bye 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 byteslocationNew Delhi
Famous As All India War Memorial
Designed byEdwin Lutyens in 1921
Height42m
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, scooter,
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 revelers 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 ferries 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 colored lights.
Major Tour Packages To India Gate :- India Heritage Tours (9
Nights/10days)
Gloden Triangle pakage Tour (7Nights/8 Days)
The Northern Ecstacy ( 8 Nights/9 days)4.Parliament House of
India
Also Known As Sansad Bhawan - A Large Legislative Assembly
:-
If it were not for the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms of 1919, the
Parliament House may not have been built. Its corny how the
building most indispensable to modern Indian democracy came up as
an afterthought. Earlier called the Circular House, it was added to
the layout at a later stage following the reforms which created a
large Legislative Assembly. This edifice is the brainchild of
Herbert Baker and was much criticized in comparison with Lutyens
creations. An article by Robert Byron in Architectural Review,
January1931describes it thus: "The Council Chamber has been Sir
Herberts unhappiest venture. Its effect from a distance has been
described. It resembles a Spanish bull-ring, lying like a
mill-wheel dropped accidentally on its side."
Quick bytes
StateDelhi
LocationOn the northwest of Vijay Chowk, next to the Secretariat
buildings at the end of Parliament Street (Sansad Marg).
Famous asThe place where the Indian Parliament meets and the
world's largest democracy functions.
Admission FeeFree, but prior permission required
(foreigners/citizens: from their embassies or High commissions/
from the reception office on Raisina Road)
The Massive Structure:-
To the northwest of Vijay Chowk, this huge circular, colonnaded
building comprises three semicircular chambers for the Legislatures
and a Central Library crowned by a27.4m high dome. It is 173m in
diameter and covers 2.02 hectares in area, with colonnaded
verandahs enclosing the entire circumference. The three
semi-circular areas were designed for the Chamber of Princes, the
Council of State and the Legislative Assembly. Today they house the
chambers of the Lok Sabha (House of the People),Rajya Sabha (Upper
House) and the library. A verandah with 144 columns surrounds the
three chambers. The boundary wall has blocks of sandstone carved in
geometrical patterns that echo the Mughal jalis.
An entry pass to the library can be obtained from the Visitors
reception on Raisina Road by providing a letter of introduction
from a Member of Parliament. The library working hours are from
1000-1800. To obtain a visitors pass to Sansad Bhawan, Indian
nationals should apply to the Parliament Secretariat. Foreign
nationals should apply through their embassies or high
commissions.
5. Rashtrapati Bhawan
Rashtrapati Bhawan (Viceroy Palace)-Best Known Monument of
British Empire :-
The Viceroy Palace remains Lutyens most significant achievement.
It is befittingly the crowning glory of the British Empire and
architecture in India. Today, it is perhaps Indias best known
monument after the Taj Mahal and the Qutub Minar. Bigger than the
Palace of Versailles, it cost a whopping 12,53,000 and now houses
the President of India. It is unquestionably a masterpiece of
symmetry, discipline, silhouette, colour and harmony. of course, it
has come in for much criticism too but that has mostly been limited
to the imperial intent behind it rather than its architecture.
Picturesque Location :-
Better known now as the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the sprawling palace
straddles the crown of Raisina Hill and is the focal point of New
Delhi. The majestic Rajpath (earlier Kings Way) leads up to the
palace on Raisina Hill and here comes into view the one fatal flaw
in design. Lutyens and Baker had a major showdown about the height
of the slope approaching the palace which was at that time
caricatured as the War of the Gradient. Lutyens wanted the palace
to come into view as one climbed Raisina Hill. Unfortunately, Baker
miscalculated. The palace disappears from sight till only the
copper dome is visible. Furious with Baker, Lutyens said he had met
his Bakerloo. The palace is flanked by the two Secretariats and the
three together, open into a huge square called the Viceroys Court
where the Jaipur Column stands tall. The Viceroys Court, which
frames the main entrance to the house, has lateral entrances on the
axis of the Jaipur Column. Here the levels were reduced
artificially and cascades of steps are flanked by huge sandstone
elephants and ranks of imperial lions modeled by the sculptor C.S.
Jagger.
The Attractions of The Palace :-
The main entrance is approached by a broad flight of steps which
lead to a 12-column portico. Do notice the enormous projecting
cornice or chajja, a Mughal device, which blends so effortlessly
with the classical style of the monument. Lutyens ability to
smoothly incorporate light oriental touches is all the more
remarkable given his active and profound dislike for Indian
architecture. The most outstanding feature of the House you can
spot it while you are still a kilometer away is the huge
neo-Buddhist copper dome that rises over a vast colonnaded
frontage. Beneath the dome is the circular Durbar Hall 22.8m in
diameter. The coloured marbles used in the hall come from all parts
of India. The Viceroys throne, ceremonially placed in this chamber,
faced the main entrance and commanded a view along the great axial
vista of Kingsway (now Rajpath). At present the hall is the venue
of all official ceremonies such as the swearing in of the Prime
Minister, the Cabinet and the Members of Parliament. It is in this
very chamber that the President annually confers the Arjuna Awards
for Excellence. The columns at the front entrance have bells carved
into their capitals. Lutyens reasoned that the ringing of bells
sound the end of an empire and stone bells never sound. Despite
this, the empire came to an end a brief 16 years later.
The Great Interiors :-
The principal floor comprises a magnificent series of state
apartments. The State Drawing Room is barrel-vaulted and plainly
treated with domestic fireplaces. The State Ballroom is enriched
with Old English mirror glass. The State Library is based on the
form of Wrens St Stephens, Walbrook. The State Dining Room is lined
with teak panel ling enriched with the star of India. The concept
of Imperial order and hierarchy permeates the entire house. Marble
staircases flanking the Durbar Hall provide access to the private
apartments above. There are 54 bedrooms together with additional
accommodation for guests. Lord Irwin, its first occupant, kept
losing his way but insisted that "in spite of its size, it was
essentially a live able-in-house."
Mughal Garden :-
To the west the palace overlooks an enormous Mughal garden
designed by Lutyens. Here the principles of hierarchy, order,
symmetry and unity are extended from the house into the landscape.
A series of ornamental fountains, walls, gazebos and screens
combine with scores of trees, flowers and shrubs to create a
paradise so delightful that Indians called the garden Gods own
Heaven. The Irwin's supervised the planting of the garden which
grew in tropical profusion softening the formal pattern of lawns
and waterways. Popularly known as the Mughal Garden, it is open to
public every spring but be prepared for the tight security
check.
The Glory of The Palace :-
After India became independent, the sheer size of the building
overwhelmed its new keepers. Mahatma Gandhi suggested it be turned
into a hospital. Thankfully, nobody took him seriously. The Durbar
Hall served as a museum for several years till the building which
now houses the National Museum was completed. Heres what Mark-Bench
Jones remarked about life at the Viceroys House in his book Palaces
of the Raj. Do note the then-and-now comparison he makes on a later
visit to the palace, long after the British had gone. "Then there
were the banquets held during sessions of the Chamber of Princes,
when every other guest at the long table was the ruler of a State.
The gold plate glittered in it scrimson-lined niche, the lustres
glinted, the scarlet and gold khitmagars moved deftly against the
teak-panelled walls, and from an adjoining room came the music of
the Viceroys band."" In India that replaced the Raj, Lutyens Palace
has managed to keep some of its glory.As the home of a modern
democratic President, it is certainly on the large side, but the
Indians have been wise enough to maintain a Presidential
establishment worthy of the setting. Scarlet-clad guards still sit
on their chargers beneath the stone sentry boxes, khitmagars in
white, red and gold line the corridors."
6. Qutub Minar in DelhiConstructed As A Holy Minar :-
The world famous towering Qutub Minar, started in 1192 by
Qutub-ud-din Aibak (1192-98), breathes down the neck of the
Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. There is a slight difference of opinion as
to its purpose: it probably was a tower of victory, but then again
it could have been built to be a minar (tower),attached to the
Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, for the muezzin(priest) to climb up top for
a prayer.
Other Belief of Its Construction :-
Among Delights there are lots of other theories about the origin
of the tower. Some say it was the observatory of the great
scientist Aryabhatta of ancient India, other claim that it was
built by Prithvi Chauhan for his daughter to see the Yamuna. In
fact everything short of an extraterrestrial origin has been
attributed to it. The presence of the ancient non-rusting Iron
Pillar within the complex further appears to add credence to the
first theory. However the tower, its entire design and architecture
are undisputedly Islamic and all the other theories are just
matters of wild surmise. Considering how shortchanged he was for
time, it is doubtful that Qutub-ud-din got much further than a
couple of levels of the minar, in fact many suggest that lived to
see only the first storey complete. Altamash, his successor,
completed the remaining tower.
Measures Taken To Keep The Minar In Perfect Shape :-
It is clear that the tower was very close to the sultanate's
heart, since repeated efforts were made to keep it in perfect
shape. In its long career, the tower got hit by lightening twice
something that, of course, with its height it was literally asking
for. Once during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, who very
decently repaired the ensuing damage. The next time was in the
indefatigable builder Feroze Shah Tughlaq's time, when the top most
storey got damaged. Feroze Shah, who of course couldn't well leave
things alone, not only repaired the floor, but also sneaked in
another level. The result of this combined effort is an interesting
mix in styles that is clearly discernable all over the tower. Each
of the original three storeys has different designs. The base
storey has alternate angular and circular flutings while those of
the second one are round and the third one has only angular
flutings. Their alignment is mercifully similar, so giving the
tower a rhythmic harmony. The pretty projecting balconies have a
very interesting pattern, with icicle-shaped pendentive (an
intricate design in which triangular pieces of vaulting spring from
the corners of a rectangular area and support a rounded or
polygonal dome) type of brackets. The attractiveness of the
balconies is heightened bythe bands of sonorous inscriptions. The
diameter (at base) of the Qutub Minar is 14.32mand about 2.75m at
the top.The Attraction of Crowning Cupola :-
The tower had a crowning cupola on the top at one time, however
this was struck down sometime in the early 19th century, an
earthquake felled it. This was replced by a well meaning English
engineer Major Smith. However it must have looked quite an eyesore
for when Lord Hardinge was Governor-general of British India, he
had it removed. You can see it now on the spruce lawns of the Qutub
complex. Come to think of it, it must have been eyesore it's called
Smiths folly.7. Khajuraho - World Heritage Site of IndiaThe Stones
of Passion :-
Right through the Mughal invasion and the early British forays
into India, Khajuraho temples in India remained unknown.
Rediscovered in this century, they are fine reminders of India's
glorious past. To some, Khajuraho Temples are the most graphic,
erotic and sensuous sculptures of India, the world has ever known.
But Khajuraho has not received the attention it deserves for its
significant contribution to the religious art of India there are
literally hundreds of exquisite images on the interior and exterior
walls of the shrines. Architecturally these temples are unique.
While each temple in Khajuraho has a distinct plan and design,
several features are common to all. They are all built on high
platforms, several metres off the ground, either in granite or a
combination of light sandstone and granite. Each of these temples
has an entrance hall or mandapa, and a sanctum sanctorum or garbha
griha. The roofs of these various sections have a distinct form.
The porch and hall have pyramidal roofs made of several horizontal
layers. The inner sanctum's roof is a conical tower - a colossal
pile of stone (often 30m high) made of an arrangement of miniature
towers called shikharas. The famous Western group of temples are
designated as the World Heritage Site and is enclosed within a
beautifully laid out park. The Lakshmana and Vishwanath Temples to
the front and The Kandriya Mahadev, Jagadami and Chitragupta
Temples displays the best craftsmanship of KhajurahoQuick bytes
stateMadhya Pradesh
locationThe City of Khajuraho is situated in the forested plains
of Madhya Pradesh in the region known as Bundelkhand and at area
son able distance from most cities and town centers of the
state
watch outWestern Group of Temples Eastern Group of Southern
Group of Temples
look outKhajuraho Dance Festival Held - 25 th Feb - 30 th
Feb
World Heritage Site
Western Group of Temples
Major Groups of Khajuraho Temples :-
For the purpose of convenience, the village of Khajuraho has
been divided into three directional areas in which are located the
major groups of temples .
Western Group Temples :-
These groups of Khajuraho temples are entirely Hindu, and
constitute some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak.
The largest being the Kandhariya Mahadev, followed by a granite
temple - Chaunsath Yogini. The Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to
the Sun God, while the Vishwanath Temple sports a three-headed
image of Brahma the Creator of the Universe. The Lakshmana Temple
is superbly decorated, while the Devi Jagdambi Temple is dedicated
to Goddess Kali. Other temples in the Western Group include the
Varaha Temple with a nine-feet high boar-incarnation of Lord
Vishnu, the Matangeshwara Temple with a eight-feet high lingam, and
the Brahma Temple.Eastern Group Temples :-
This group of Khajuraho tempels comprises of two historic Jain
temples the AdinathTemple lavishly embellished with sculpted
figures, and the Parsvanath Temple, the largest Jain temple,
sculpted with charming detail. There are other shrines such as the
Vamana Temple with apsaras in sensuous poses, and the Javari Temple
that has a richly-carved doorway.
Southern Group :-
This group has two impressive Khajuraho temples, mainly
belonging to the 12th century the Chaturbhuja Temple, with a
massive, carved image of Vishnu, and the Duladeo Temple, one of the
last temples of the Chandela era, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Symbolising a medieval legacy, the Khajuraho temples of India are a
perfect fusion of architectural and sculptural excellence,
representing one of the finest examples of Indian art.
Souvenirs from Khajuraho :-
Being one of the most visited places in India, many shops have
developed which offer ssouvenirs at best of prices. There are
number of stalls in front of these temples that presents array of
articles which are worth buying.
Khajuraho Dance Festival :-
Held every year from 25th February to 2nd March, Khajuraho Dance
festival provides an exclusive platform to showcase the Indian
classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odisi, Kathakali
etc. For over 25 years now, the carved stones fills with life
during the month of Feb.
Getting to Khajuraho :- Air :-
The airport is 5 kms from the city centre and is well connected
by domestic flights to and from Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu.
Train :- Mahoba, Satna and Jhansi are the nearest railway
stations. All of these are well connected by most of the major
cities of India.
Road :- Khajuraho is connected by regular bus services with
Mahoba, Harpalpur, Satna,Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra, Jabalpur and
Bhopal. Khajuraho is 590 kms from Delhi via Gwalior and Jhansi.
Accommodation :-
Whether there are any good hotels in Khajuraho or not? Probably
you don't have to worry much as there are number of hotels in
Khajuraho. Ranging from budget to deluxe, hotels in Khajuraho offer
good accommodation at your price.
5 star hotels :- Jass TridentHotel Chandela 3 star hotel :-
Hotel Khajuraho Ashok Usha BundelaKairali Ayurvedic Health Spa
Best of Khajuraho temples :-1. Chaturbhuja temple
2. devi jagdambi temple
3. kandariya mahadev temple
4. laksmana temple
5. parshvanath temple
Major Tour Packages To Madhya Pradesh :- India Heritage Tour (9
Nights / 10 Days )
Rock Heritage(17 Nights/18 Days )
Tigers & Rhinos Tour (18 nights / 19days)
How to save our monuments? :-
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the provisions of
the AMASR Act, 1958 protects monuments, sites and remains of
national importance by giving a two-months notice for inviting
objections, if any in this regard. After the specified two-months
period, and after scrutinizing the objections, if any received in
this regard, the ASI makes decision to bring a monument under its
protection. There are at present more than 3650 ancient monuments
and archaeological sites and remains of national importance. These
monuments belong to different periods, ranging from the prehistoric
period to the colonial period and are located in different
geographical settings. They include temples, mosques, tombs,
churches, cemeteries, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves,
and secular architecture as well as ancient mounds and sites which
represent the remains of ancient habitation. These monuments and
sites are maintained and preserved through various Circles of the
ASI spread all over the country. The Circles look after the
research on these monuments and conservation activities, while the
Science Branch with its headquarters at Dehradun carries out
chemical preservation and the Horticulture Branch with its
headquarters at Agra is entrusted with the laying out gardens and
environmental development.
1. Structural Conservation :-
Although there have been references of conservation of
structures way back in the early Historic Period as evidenced at
Junagadh, Gujarat, it was done on structures that were beneficial
to the contemporary society. Even the dawn of vision for the need
to preserve monuments for its worth as a monument, mainly credited
to the British was not less haphazard in the earlier times. The
earlier attempts to give a legal framework for preventing vandalism
were the two legislations namely the Bengal Regulation of 1810and
Madras Regulation of 1817.The monuments and sties that received
nominal funds and attention way back in 19thcentury was Taj Mahal,
Tomb at Sikandara, Qutb Minar, Sanchi and Mathura. Based on the
proposal submitted in 1898, 5 Circles were constituted to do the
Archaeological work in India. These Circles were required to devote
themselves entirely to conservation work. Later the Ancient
Monuments and Preservation Act, 1904 was passed with the prime
objective to ensure the proper upkeep and repair of ancient
buildings in private owner ship excepting such as those used for
religious purposes. From the first decade of the last century
therefore many monuments could be taken up for conservation. One of
the foremost conservators, J. Marshall who laid down the principles
of conservation was also instrumental in preserving a number of
monuments some of which are now under the World Heritage List. The
conservation work of stapes at Sanchi earlier lying in a maze of
ruins gave the site its pristine looks. The conservation processes
had now become quite formalized and the later workers in the field
were acquiring cumulative knowledge of several generations. Even
before Independence, thus, the Archaeological Survey of India had
developed significant expertise so much as that it was invited for
conservation work in other countries. Some of the outstanding
examples of such works are that of Bamiyan in Afghanistan and later
in the Angkor Vat of Cambodia.
2. Chemical Preservation :-
The Archaeological Survey of Indias Science Branch is
responsible mainly for the chemical conservation treatment and
preservation of some three thousand five hundred ninety three
Protected monuments besides chemical preservation of museum and
excavated objects countrywide. The real challenge before us is to
plan the necessary measures of conservation with a view to assure
the survival of these built cultural heritage and unique symbols of
our civilizations for centuries to come, with as little
intervention as possible but without altering or modifying in any
way the authenticity of their original character. To ensure the
stability as well as proper conservation of our cultural heritage,
there is a need to give more thrust to the scientific research in
conservation options must be based on a preliminary investigation
which includes the knowledge of physical nature of the object
(constituent materials, architectural characteristics, production
techniques, state of decay) and of the factors which induce or
could induced its decay. In other words, as in the case of medical
study the field of conservation therapy to be based on a correct
diagnosis. The role of scientific disciplines vital to both these
steps of conservation activities. Accordingly, a specific objective
of scientific research activities in conservation being carried out
by the Science Branch is aimed to study: Material deterioration
process. Basic studies of intervention technologies. Basic studies
on materials. Diagnostic technologies.
The main activities of Science Branch are :-
Chemical treatment and preservation of about 5000 centrally
protected monuments including 18 world heritage monuments. Chemical
treatment and preservation of museum exhibits and excavated objects
Scientific and technical studies as well as research on material
heritage of different building materials to study the causes of
deterioration with a view to evolve appropriate conservation
measures in order to improve the state of preservation of our built
cultural heritage and physical heritage as well. Chemical
conservation of monuments and heritage sites abroad Technical
assistance to state protected monuments as well as built cultural
heritage under the control of trusts in the form of deposit works.
To impart training on chemical conservation to the students of Post
Graduated Diploma in Archaeology, from Institute of Archaeology,
New Delhi. To organize awareness program and workshops /seminars
with regard to scientific conservation works.