- Jama
Masjid, Delhi
Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and the final
architectural extravagance of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It's also
known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means
'Visible'. It is situated some quarter of a mile from the Red Fort.
It was designed as Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque. The
sprawling esplanade, which separates it from the arterial road is a
fascinating leisure ground.
A Religious Masterpiece
The construction work continued for six years, ending in 1644. The
structure was placed on a high platform so that its magnificent
facade would be visible from all the adjoining areas. It's an
austere, yet, a beautiful building. Just like other buildings of
Shahjahanabad, this one was also built with red sandstone. White
marble has also been used extensively, specially in the three domes
and has been inlaid with stripes of black.
- Fatehpur
Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and
Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of
the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian &
Hindu architecture.
Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal
architectural splendour at its height. Though the city is in ruins,
it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra.But in real terms
Fatehpur Sikri is a place where one should spend some time. The
sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish.
- Ajmer
Sharif
The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment for
those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor
Akbar sought blessings for his son at the Dargah.
- Haji
Ali
This mosque was built in the middle of the sea with only a narrow
path leading to it giving it an ethereal look. As per the Muslim
traditions separate praying rooms for ladies and gents are provided
here to pay their respects.
- Hamayun Tomb
The lofty mausoleum is located in the centre of the enclosure and
rises from a podium faced with series of cells with arched openings.
The central octagonal chamber containing the cenotaph is encompassed
by octagonal chambers at the diagonals and arched lobbies on the
sides, their openings closed with perforated screens.
- Taj Mahal, U.P.
Taj Mahal is not just a fine specimen of beautiful art and
excellent architecture, but a memorial of love and faith. It is a
sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told. From
studied awe to sheer ecstasy, people have literally competed to say
the most beautiful things about the Taj Mahal. Some have admired its
beauty; others have revealed the various activities that took place
here.
Shah Jahan's own composition in praise of the Tajis found in
Badshah Nama: "…The sight of this mansion creates
sorrowing sighs/And makes sun and moon shed tears from their eyes/In
this world this edifice has been made/ to display thereby the
Creator's glory."
- Qutub Minar, Delhi
In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory
tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m
it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m and a valid reason why it
took two decades to complete this monument.
Its a red sandstone tower covered with beautiful and striking
carvings and is inscribed with verses from the holy Quran. Qutub
Minar is still the highest stone tower in India as well as one of
the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised
landmark. The sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish,
completed it.
- Charminar, A.P.
The most popular landmark of the city of Hyderabad is the
Charminar, a historic monument with four graceful minarets. Built
two years after the founding of the Hyderabad to mark the end of an
epidemic in the city, it is often referred as the Arc of Triumph of
the East.
- Sikandra, Agra
A famous excursion of Agra city, is a glorious introduction to the
city of Mughal wonders, Sikandra, the site of Akbar's Musoleum.
Started by Akbar and completed by his son Jehangir in 1613 AD,
Sikandra is an expression of a man's desire for serenity and
dignity.
- Bada Imambara, U.P.
Also called the Asafai Imambara this huge and elegant building is
almost built like a fort. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulla built this building
in a famine relief program in 1784.
- Chota Imambara, U.P.
The third Nawab of Avadh, Muhammad Ali Shah built this imposing
structure of Chota Imambara in 1840. The real name of this structure
is Husainabad Imambada.
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