 Monuments have been created for thousands of years, and they are often the most durable and famous symbols of ancient civilizations. A monument is a structure built for commemorative or symbolic reasons rather than any proper functional use. Monuments are usually created for the dual function of commemorating an important event or person and also to create an artistic object improving the appearance of a city or location. Functional structures made notable by their age, size or historic significance can also be regarded as monuments. This can happen because of great age and size, thus, the word "monumental" is often used in reference to something of extraordinary size and power. Monuments can be used to reinforce the primacy of contemporary political power and also to educate the younger generations about important events or figures from the past. Governments build most large monuments, but individuals still often build smaller ones.
 India has a rich legacy of monuments, which are spread all over the country. Such wonderful and colorful monuments, have been the results of the thoughtful and imaginative processes of men, who dared to dream differently and come out with unique architecture, which have become world famous. These beautiful and evocative monuments definitely showcase the versatility of the architectural styles in them. From the Taj Mahal, which is an epitome of Indian culture, heritage and civilization to the Mysore Palace & Agra Fort, from the exquisite and mega-sized Charminar to the Meenakshi Temple, all these monuments display a sense of mystery, intrigue and romance.
Many such monuments are known for their sprawling landscape filled with halls, pillars and lofty towers with lavish artwork in all forms. Some monuments were built for defence, whereas some of them were constructed as memorials for the rulers. A striking example of this is the Gateway of India, which was constructed for the Britishers. The notable feature about each of the monuments is the exquisite carving work that has survived till date and still receives appreciation from people worldwide.
 Agra Fort: The Agra Fort is an important 16th century Moghul monument, built by Akbar. Also known as Lal Qila, the Red Fort is located about 2.5 km northwest of the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. The UNESCO designated the Fort a World Heritage Site in 1983.
 Charminar: Charminar is a major landmark in the city of Hyderabad and this great monument is a synonym for Hyderabad and the pivot around which the glory and history of the city have developed. Atop the great monument are 45 prayer spaces for the devout where they can offer worship in an atmosphere unspoilt by the bustle of the city.
 Mysore Palace: The Palace of Mysore is a palace situated in the city of Mysore, southern India. It was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and also housed the durbar.The palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore.
 Meenakshi Temple: The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is commonly referred to as the Meenakshi temple. The temple forms the heart and lifeline for the 2500 year old city of Madurai.
 Gateway of India: The Gateway of India is a monument in Mumbai, India. Located on the waterfront in South Mumbai, the Gateway is a basalt arch 26 metres high. The Gateway is traditionally the first thing visitors arriving by boat would see of Mumbai. Behind the Gateway steps lead down to the waterfront, where boat trips can be had to locations such as Elephanta Island.
 Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is generally considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. This fine piece of architecture, is actually a mausoleum constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: It is the westernmost end point of the Central Railways of India. It is also the southern end point of the central and harbour lines of Mumbai`s metropolitan rail transport system.
Ajanta & Ellora Caves: The superbly carved Ajanta and Ellora caves started from the 2nd century and continued till the 6th century AD, but till today, these sculptures remain unmatchable with its artistic excellence and are now recognized as a World Heritage site. These Buddhist and Jain caves are ornately carved, yet seem quiet and meditative and exude a divine energy and power.
Amer Fort: Some of the noteworthy architectural marvels in the complex of the Amer Fort are the `Diwan-E-Khas`, the `Sheesh Mahal` and the `Jai Mandir` with exquisite mirror work, the `Diwan-E-Aam`, the `Sukh Niwas`, the Shila Mata Temple and Kali temple and the well laid out garden the `Kesar Kyari`.
Bahai Temple: The Lotus Temple not only embodies the spiritual aspirations and basic beliefs of the world-wide Bahai community, but, is also seen as bringing divergent thoughts into this country of myriad religions into harmony by virtue of its principle of oneness - of God, religion, and mankind.
Bara Imambara: This huge and elegant structure is also called Asafai Imambara. The Bara Imambara is neither a mosque, nor a mausoleum, but a huge building having interesting elements within it.
City Palace: This palace is now a heritage building and although it looks rugged from the exterior, from inside, the rooms within the palace are beautifully decorated and painted with inlay glasswork, antique furniture and colourful enamel. The path leads to many enclosures with luxurious apartments surmounted by balconies, hanging gardens, massive octagonal towers and cupolas with breathtaking views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi: The Buddhist stupas in Sanchi are the most famous of them the monuments at Sanchi. Sanchi is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a religious place with historical and archaeological significance right from the early Mauryan period (from third century BC to twelfth century AD).
Churches and Convents of Goa: These churches and convents in old Goa are architectural masterpieces and are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even today, these churches stand tall with plenty of historical importance. They have always attracted immense interest for tourists whether Indian or foreigners. Every monument has finely crafted interior as well as exterior that make them distinct from the others.
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram: It is named after Mamalla, who was responsible of creating the earliest monument in the city under the reign of the Pallava king Narasimha Varman I (630-668). This site gained this distinction in 1984 and is known best as the centre for culture and arts of Pallavas.
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal: The Pattadakal group of monuments was built in the 7th and 8th centuries and was situated in the southern State of Karnataka. This temple has many similarities with the Navabrahma temples in Alampur, Andhra Pradesh, which were also built by the same dynasty.
Elephanta Caves: It is situated on Gharapuri Island in Mumbai`s harbour. The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Chola Temples: These three Chola temples of Southern India represent an outstanding creative achievement in the architectural conception of the pure form of the Dravida type of temple. Together these temples are now known as the "Great Living Chola Temples".
Hawa Mahal: The five-storeyed building flaunts Rajput architecture and artistry to its best including its 953 pink sandstone windows known as `jharokhas` that are built in such as manner that it resembles a giant honeycomb.
Hill Palace Museum: The Hill Palace Museum is Kerala`s first heritage museum. It was set up in the year 1865 and now is an important tourist attraction. The whole complex consists of around 49 buildings that are built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala.
Gingee Fort: Gingee today, with its ruined forts, temples and granaries, presents a different picture from the glorious splendor of its bygone days. But the remains of that valorous past, speak volumes about the numerous invasions, warfare and bravery that it witnessed.
India Gate: Also known as the All India War Memorial, India Gate was designed and constructed by Lutyens. Situated in New Delhi on the Rajpath (King`s Way), India Gate is a gathering point for residents of Delhi, especially on summer nights.
Qutub Minar: The Qutub Minar and its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Qutub Minar is 72.5 metres high and requires 399 steps to get to the top. It is made up of red and buff stand stone and it is the highest tower in India.
Jama Masjid: The biggest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid, stands on a rocky elevation. It was begun by Shah Jahan in 1650 and completed six years later and the whole cost about a million rupees.
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka: A recognized world heritage site by UNESCO, these rock shelters display paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period to the historical period.
Gwalior Fort: The Gwalior Fort stands on a steep mass of sandstone, dominating the city and this is its most magnificent monument. It has been a scene of momentous events like imprisonments, battles and jauhars.
Fatehpur Sikri: Built in honour of the Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, this city was full of well planned administrative, residential and religious buildings. The buildings at Fatehpur Sikri blended both Islamic and Hindu elements in their architectural style.
Red Fort: It was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648. It was the palace for Shah Jahan`s new capital, Shahjahanabad, the seventh Muslim city in the Delhi site.
Rashtrapati Bhavan: The President of India, whose official residence is the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the architecture of which fascinates as much the ardent architects as the common people across the globe, represents the strength and authority of the people of India, which encompasses this Republic.
Kashi Vishwanath: The Kashi Vishwanath temple is located in the heart of the cultural capital of India, Varanasi. it It is the center of faith for millions of Hindus and it stands on the western bank of India`s holiest river Ganges.
Golconda Fort: India`s most outstanding fortresses, it epitomizes the `Nawabi` culture and military architecture due to the bulk of the ruins of this fort that date from the time of the Qutub Shahi kings, who had ruled this area in the 16th and 17th century.
Sheesh Mahal: Maharaja of Patiala, Narendra Singh, built the Sheesh Mahal in 1847. The Sheesh Mahal illustrates its name from the elegantly designed glass and mirror work, which covers an entire section of the palace.
Victoria Memorial: The Victoria Memorial Hall was opened in 1921as a museum. Presently it is the finest and most prominent building and art museum of Calcutta, India, under the Department of Culture, Government of India.
Tomb of Humayun: This tomb was built in Delhi in 1570. It is of a particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
Purana Quila: In the 16th century, the Mughal king Humayun built his fort at this place. Today, we can see the fort, but the older history of this site is buried deep underground, invisible.
Kamakhya Temple: This temple is associated with the legend of Shiva and Daksha Yagna. the Kamakhya Temple is one of the most astounding structures, not only in Assam, but also in the whole of India.
Mehrangarh Fort: This fort is one of the largest forts in India. It also encloses many palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.
Kye Monastery: This monastery is an outstanding example of the monastic architecture, which developed during the 14th century in the wake of the Chinese influence.
Jaisalmer Fort: As one of the last princely bastions in the region, this fort was famous for the bravery of its rulers and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis.
Mahabodhi Temple of Bodh Gaya: This temple complex is India`s latest addition to UNESCO`s list of World Cultural Heritage sites and one of the four holy sites directly related to the life of the Buddha.
Monuments in Chennai
Chennai has a rich cultural heritage and a glorious historical past.It is famous for her forts, palaces, temples and memorials. The monuments are spread in varoius parts of Chennai.
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