Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Monuments of Delhi
Monuments of Delhi
Monuments of Delhi are the symbols of the glorious past of this country. The attractive and lavish monuments of Delhi clearly narrate the supremacy and the reign of different rulers over this place.

Share this Article:

Monuments of Delhi Delhi is one of the greatest cities of the world. This ancient land has a tradition that recedes into the legendary age of the Mahabharata Epic almost 3,000 years back. Here the culture rose to high point long before modern civilisation made its way. Delhi strategically lies between the Aravalli Hills and the River Jumna. The heritage of this city is really huge that ranges from grand Mughal forts to the towering temples portraying exquisite architecture. The grand colonial buildings made in European style can be found dotting the Central Delhi territory. Monuments of Delhi are known for their grand architecture and magnificent carvings. It was after the augmentation of the Delhi Sultanate, this city developed as a major cultural, commercial and political hub of India. There are several ancient and medieval monuments as well as archaeological sites in Delhi.

Important historical monuments in Delhi
Delhi has a number of famous forts, mosques and other historical monuments, which clearly depict the rich history of India. Delhi houses the majestic RedFort, Humayun`s Tomb and Qutub Minar that have been declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Here is the list of significant monuments in Delhi.

Purana Quila
Purana Quila is one of the ancient monuments of Delhi. It is believed that the `Pandavas` had built their capital, Indraprastha at this place of the old fort. This fort, now in ruins, was the seat for administration for many emperors. It is also said that the legendary Prithviraj Chauhan ruled from here. It is also described as a fine instance of medieval military architecture.

Qutub Minar
Another most popular site of Delhi is Qutub Minar. It was built by a Muslim king, Qutub-ud-din in 1199 AD. A part of this highest tower monument of the country was completed by Iltutmish, another Muslim king. It is located in the southern part of Delhi. Its height is around 72.5 meter and there is a mosque at its base.

India Gate
India Gate is one of the most impressive structures of India. It was designed by Lutyens. This 42 meter high structure is a war memorial in honour of the soldiers who died during the Second World War. The structure has an everlasting flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti) to honour the memory of the unknown soldiers.

Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple is another magnificent site of Delhi. Completed in the year 1986, this temple is set between pools and gardens and is shaped like a lotus.

Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan was inaugurated in the year 1931. It was constructed with a blend of the Indian and Western styles. The Rashtrapati Bhavan was designed by Edwin Lutyens and was originally called the Viceroy`s House.

Humayun`s Tomb
Humayun`s Tomb, one of the most significant heritages of Delhi, was built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum. This red sand stone structure customized a standard for the later monuments of the Mughal era like the Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best examples of Mughal Architecture. It was designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. The construction of this structure began in 1562 and was completed in 1565.

Tomb of Safdarjung
Safdarjung`s Tomb was constructed by the Nawab of Avadh. He built this for his father. The structure is one of the finest examples of architecture of its time and tells a saga of the last leftovers of a dying empire.

Monuments of Delhi Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is also known as `Masjid-i-Jahan Numa`. It is one of the principal and largest mosques of Old Delhi and was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Completed in the year 1658 this Mosque has three gateways, four viewpoint towers and two 40 m high minarets.

Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is one of the popular monuments of Delhi. Set within the garden of stately palms, it was built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1724. The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets.

Red Fort
Red Fort is popularly known as Lal Quila. It is one of the major attractions of Delhi. In 1639, the decision of constructing this fort was taken when Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan planned to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. It stands strong on the banks of the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. The fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate, which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market.

Alai Darwaza
Alai Darwaza was built by Allaudin Khilji in 1311 AD. It is the main entrance from the south side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in the Qutub Minar compound. The entrance was constructed using red sandstone and decorated with white marble.

These popular monuments of Delhi hold special architectural and historical significance and they also make Delhi one of the most desired tourist destinations of the world.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments


Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.