The Best Architectural Buildings in India
India is one of the first civilizations on earth. It is a country with a widely diverse cultural history, various races, dialects, and beliefs. It is no wonder that it is a treasure trove for architectural progression.
Through its extensive, rich, and astounding past, India has seen the rise and fall of countless empires. It held dignitaries that transformed its destiny many times and understood the interweaving of great legends that have changed the character of its face.
Out of a remarkably rich collection of the most striking structures, we take you to a compilation of 6 of the best architectural marvels in the country.
Taj Mahal
Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is one of the most striking pieces of Indian architecture known all around the globe.
It is named one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built-in 1653 and completed in 1684, the Taj Mahal shows the premium illustration of Hindu and Indo-Islamic combination architecture.
It has a white marble building, a square plinth with a central structure, and a huge dome on top with four minarets surrounding each corner.
Taj Mahal was constructed by Shah Jahan, a Mughal emperor, as a mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is now one of the most famous charms of India, attracting around 3 million tourists yearly.
Lotus Temple
Located in New Delhi, the Lotus Temple was built as a place of reverence for the Bahá'i faith. It is also open to all people, regardless of religion, as it stands for secularism and openness.
Completed in 1986, It is one of the recent structures that have come up in current times and succeeded in reaching a standing of fame, attracting tourists worldwide. Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba designed the structure composed of petals ranging in three groups.
Its spherical margin is co-aligned with the sacred principles of the Baha’i community. The Lotus Temple receives an average of more than 10,000 visitors on a daily basis.
Victoria Memorial
Located in Kolkota, The Victoria Memorial was built by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, in memory of Queen Victoria. Opened in 1921, the vast marble construction is a museum and the main tourist attraction in India's largest east city.
Constructed in Indo-Saracenic style, it blends classic Mughal architecture and Neoclassical styles prevalent in Europe. Its central dome houses Queen Victoria’s marble statue, which is 56 meters tall.
It is designed by the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Sir William Emerson.
The Victoria Memorial is made from Makrana marbles from the Rajasthan quarries, the same marbles used in the Taj Mahal’s spectacular white façade.
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Sun Temple
Located in Konark, Odisha, the Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1250, Konark combines the words Kona, meaning corner, and Arka, meaning sun. Greeting the rising sun, the temple is dedicated to Surya, the Hindu sun god. It is built facing east, with the sun’s early rays lighting up its entrance every morning.
The whole shrine has been constructed in the shape of a colossal chariot; seven stone horses (symbolizing days of the week) pull its 24 wheels, each pair symbolizing one of the 12 months of the year.
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The Sun Temple isn’t only known for its architectural splendor and the sophistication and plethora of sculptured work.
The sanctuary is adorned with various sculptured mythological creatures, birds, lions, dancers, musicians, and erotica.
Golden Temple
Located in Amritsar, Punjab, the Golden Temple (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) isn’t only a dominant spiritual place of the Sikhs and a representation of brotherhood and impartiality.
Everyone is welcome here, regardless of caste, faith, or race. Anybody can come and seek divine consolation and devout fulfillment without interruption.
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The Golden Temple is the world’s sanctified ‘gurdwara’ (place of worship) and one of India’s prized buildings. Its design is a well-thought-out and delicate accord of Islamic and Hindu construction.
The structure only comprises three stories constructed on a 67-square-foot platform, sitting below ground level. Through centuries, it has endured so many changes, with gold foil only added in 1830.
The low strategic location of this Gurudawa shows humility and egalitarianism. It has entrances from all four directions, symbolizing an equal welcome for people from all walks of life.
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Meenakshi Amman Temple
Located at the heart of Madurai city, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the largest temples in India. It has 12 massive gates, a tank inside the grounds, and a hall branded as the ‘hall of a thousand pillars’ with incredible carvings beyond compare.
Other entrances are decorated with stunning figures, and are exclusive from each other.
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The region’s Islamic attack damaged the initial temple. It was rebuilt by Vishwanath Nayak, the first Nayak king of Madurai. The temple and its compound spread 45 acres and are now a key spot for cultural admirers and Hindu devotees.
During its 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam annual festival, it attracts a million visitors. The festival features a chariot procession or Rathaa’ and happens from April to May in the Gregorian calendar.
Red Fort
Although not considered a single building structure, the Red Fort is still a spectacular architectural wonder. The Red Fort is an octagon-shaped wall containing the Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque in New Delhi.
Its walls also have gardens, private apartments, and domed palaces. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site standing 108 feet (33 meters) tall.
It’s a fascinating blend of Persian, Islamic, Hindu, and Timurid impacts and ethnicities. Its name is derived from red sandstone, which is the color of its walls. Completed in 1638, it characterizes the control and ingenuity of the Mughal Empire.