Taj Mahal

1. Description or History

The Taj Mahal is an iconic white marble mausoleum, commissioned by Mughal Emperor
Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth.
Construction began in 1632, and it took approximately 22 years to complete. The
monument is renowned for its exquisite architectural details, intricate carvings, and
symmetrical design.

2. Location

The Taj Mahal is situated in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located on the southern bank
of the Yamuna River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Architect

Ustad Ahmad Lahori

4. Date it was Built

Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, and it was completed in 1654.

Red Fort

1. Description or History

The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a historic fort in Delhi, India. It served as the main
residence for the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for over 200 years. Built by the fifth
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century, it is constructed of red sandstone and
showcases a blend of Persian, Timurid, and Indian architectural styles. The fort became a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

2. Location

The Red Fort is located in Old Delhi, within the city of Delhi, India. It stands as a symbol of
India’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
 3. Architect

Ustad Ahmad Lahori

4. Date it was Built

Construction of the Red Fort began in 1638, and it was completed in 1648.

Qutub Minar

1. Description or History

Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi, India, and is the tallest brick
minaret in the world. It was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate,
in the early 13th century. The minar is part of the Qutb Complex, which also includes the
Iron Pillar and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. It is a remarkable example of Indo-Islamic
architecture and stands as a historical monument.

2. Location

Qutub Minar is located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, India. It is a prominent landmark and
attracts tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.

3. Architect

Qutb-ud-din Aibak

4. Date it was Built

The construction of Qutub Minar began in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and was continued
by his successor Iltutmish. The minar was completed by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14 th
century.
Jaipur City Palace

1. Description or History

Jaipur City Palace, situated in the heart of the Pink City, Jaipur, is a magnificent palace
complex that showcases a blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. The
palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, and subsequent
rulers added various structures to the complex over time. It houses museums, courtyards,
and stunning buildings like Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal.

2. Location

The City Palace is located in the old part of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It stands as a
prominent landmark and a testament to Jaipur’s royal history.

3. Architect

Vidyadar Bhattacharya

4. Date it was Built

Construction of the City Palace began in the early 18 th century, and various rulers
contributed to its expansion and embellishment over the years. The complex continued to
evolve up until the early 20th century.

Hawa Mahal

1. Description or History

Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is a distinctive five-story pink sandstone
palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, it features a
unique façade with 953 small windows (jharokhas), allowing royal women to observe street
festivals without being seen. The intricate latticework and architectural details make it a
captivating structure.

2. Location
 Hawa Mahal is located in the heart of Jaipur, near the City Palace. Its strategic placement
allowed the palace to offer the ladies of the court a view of the city life while maintaining
privacy.

3. Architect

Lal Chand Ustad

4. Date it was Built

Construction of Hawa Mahal was completed in 1799

Lotus Temple

1. Description or History

The Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, is a Bahá’í House of Worship renowned for its
distinctive lotus flower-inspired design. Completed in 1986, it serves as a place of worship
for people of all faiths. The structure is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad “petals”
arranged in clusters, forming the shape of a lotus flower. The serene interior encourages
contemplation and prayer.

2. Location

The Lotus Temple is situated in the southern part of Delhi, in the neighborhood of
Bahapur. It stands as a symbol of the Bahá’í Faith’s principles of unity, equality, and
universal worship.
 3. Architect

Fariborz Sahba

4. Date it was Built

The Lotus Temple was completed in 1986 and opened to the public

India Gate

1. Description or History

India Gate is a war memorial and iconic triumphal arch in New Delhi, built to honor the
soldiers who died in World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it stands as a memorial to
the 70,000 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various conflicts. The names of
soldiers are inscribed on the walls. An eternal flame, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti, burns
under the arch as a symbol of the immortal soldier.

2. Location
 India Gate is located on the eastern end of Rajpath in New Delhi, India. It stands at the
heart of the city, surrounded by lush lawns and serving as a popular gathering spot.

3. Architect

Edwin Lutyens

4. Date it was Built

India Gate was completed in 1931

Charminar

1. Description or History

Charminar is an iconic monument located in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, India.
Built in 1591 by the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, it is a
grand structure with four arches, each facing a different street. The name “Charminar”
translates to “Four Towers” in Urdu. The monument has historical and architectural
significance, serving as a symbol of Hyderabad.
 2. Location

Charminar stands in the Charminar locality in the center of Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
It is surrounded by bustling markets and forms a central hub for the city’s cultural and
historical activities.

3. Architect

Mir Momin Astrawadi

4. Date it was Built

Charminar was completed in 1591.

Gateway of india

1. Description or History
 The Gateway of India is a monumental arch located in Mumbai, India. It was built during
the British colonial era to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in
1911. The structure is an architectural marvel, blending Indo-Saracenic, Roman, and
Muslim architectural styles. Over time, it has become an iconic symbol of Mumbai.

2. Location

The Gateway of India is situated on the waterfront in South Mumbai, overlooking the
Arabian Sea. It stands at the Apollo Bunder area, near the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

3. Architect

George Wittet

4. Date it was Built

Construction of the Gateway of India began in 1913 and was completed in 1924.

Mysore Palace
 1. Description or History

Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, is a magnificent royal residence in
Mysuru, Karnataka, India. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with a blend of Hindu, Muslim,
Rajput, and Gothic architectural elements, the palace was originally constructed in the 14th
century and later rebuilt in the early 20 th century after a fire. It serves as the official
residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, the erstwhile rulers of Mysore.

2. Location

Mysore Palace is located in the heart of Mysuru city, surrounded by the Old Fort. It stands
as a prominent landmark and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

3. Architect

Henry Irwin

4. Date it was Built

The original palace dates back to the 14 th century, but it underwent significant
reconstruction in 1912-1915 after a fire damaged the original structure. The rebuilt palace
was completed in 1915, and it continues to be a splendid example of Indian royal
architecture.