Project work PTS -4

My 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 TajMahal 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
state

Uttar pradesh

location

Taj mahal stands majestically in agra city on

the banks of river yamuna.

watch out

Taj museum, closed on Mondays and fridays.

look out

Taj 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 Mantar
An 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 bytes
location

New Delhi

Famous As

All India War Memorial

Designed by

Edwin Lutyens in 1921

Height

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, 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 MontaguChelmsford 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

State

Delhi

Location

On the northwest of Vijay Chowk, next to the

Secretariat buildings at the end of Parliament
Street (Sansad Marg).

Famous as

The place where the Indian Parliament meets

and the world's largest democracy functions.

Admission
Fee

Free, 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
Monument of British Empire :-

Palace)-Best

Known

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 neoBuddhist 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 ablein-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 Delhi
Constructed 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-ulIslam 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 Governorgeneral 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 India
The 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 Khajuraho

Quick bytes
state

Madhya Pradesh

location

The 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 out

Western Group of Temples Eastern Group of

Southern Group of Temples

look out

Khajuraho 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 threeheaded 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 :-

3 star hotel :-

Jass TridentHotel Chandela

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.