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Taj Mahal ( A
Charming Tribute to Love )
The Taj Mahal in Agra is undoubtedly the zenith of Mughal
architecture and one of the world's most marvellous buildings. At
its most alluring in the relative quiet of early morning, it is
shrouded in mists and bathed with a soft red glow. As its vast
marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflect the sun, its colour
changes, from soft grey and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling
white; it's well worth visiting at different times. This play of
light is an important decorative device, symbolically implying the
presence of Allah, who is never represented in anthropomorphic form.
Legend has it that Shah Jahan decided to construct another Taj Mahal
in black marble on the other side of the river Yamuna and to connect
the two by a bridge. This structure was intended to be his own tomb.
Click here for tours on Taj Mahal
Red Fort
Built in red sandstone, this imposing fort is the living symbol
of the Mughal power. At the Lahore gate, the main entrance, sits a
small bazaar, that was once open only to women on Thursdays during
Mughal times. The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana or the drum
house. Above this is the Indian war memorial museum housing a rich
collection of armors, guns and swords. The Dewan-i-Am or the place
of public hearing and the Dewan-i-Khas, where the emperor met his
ministers are of prime interest. The Red Fort, is not just any
historical monument; the Prime minister addresses the nation from
here on Independence Day. A major attraction, Delhi Tourism
organizes a light and sound show here, which narrates the history of
the city in context of the Red Fort in the evening. Click here for
tours on
Red Fort.
Charminar
Built by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, in honor of his wife,
Bhagmati, the famous monument derives it's name from the four
pillars surrounding the structure. Built in 1591, these 180-ft
minars are classic reminders of the many ups and downs that
Hyderabad has been witness to. Quli Qutub Shah built it to
commemorate the end of plague in the state. Elegant balconies,
stucco decorations and the small mosque - one of the oldest mosques
of the city -- Charminar is the pride of Hyderabad. An underground
path is believed to connect Charminar with the Golconda Fort. At the
heart of the city, Charminar is surrounded by markets. Shahali
Banda, Laad Bazaar, Kali Kaman and Patthar Gatti flank Charminar on
its four sides.
Khajuraho
Khajuraho, a monument to erotica is a unique example of
Indo-Aryan architecture. The Chandela rulers between 950-1050 built
these temples. There were 85 temples, which were built, and only 22
of them survive today. Unlike other temples, Khajuraho is believed
to have a theme, the celebration of the feminine form, her myriad
moods and facets. There are carvings of a woman writing letter,
applying makeup to her eyes, combing her tresses, dancing, and
playing with her child. Innocent, coquettish, smiling, seductive,
passionate and beautiful, all depicted in intricate detail, sharply
etched, sculpted with consummate skill. The temples are divided into
three geographical groups: Western, eastern and southern. The
western group are the most famous and the most typical of the
Khajuraho temples. Click here for tours on Khajuraho
Ajanta & Ellora
Leaving Aurangabad on the craggy, rocky and barren terrain
towards the Western ghats, there appear the 34 magnificent caves of
Ellora. Built somewhere between 5th and 10th century A.D, the caves
are numbered from North to South and can be divided into three
distinct sections. The first sixteen, carry Buddhist descriptions
while 13 have mostly Hindu God and Goddess. Rest are dedicated to
the Jain Tirthankaras or Lord Mahavira. A 99 kms ride from
Aurangabad are the Ajanta caves. Unlike Ellora, the 30 Ajanta caves
are dedicated solely to Buddhism. These caves were carved out
between 2nd century B.C to 6th century A.D. Ajanta caves were hidden
for a long time under the thick under growth till the 19 century,
when they were accidentally discovered by a company of British
Soldiers.
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