Project work PTS -4

Project work PTS -4My 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 Taj-Mahal 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

stateUttar pradesh

locationTaj mahal stands majestically in agra city on the banks of river yamuna.

watch outTaj museum, closed on Mondays and fridays.

look outTaj 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 MantarAn 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 byteslocationNew Delhi

Famous As All India War Memorial

Designed byEdwin Lutyens in 1921

Height42m

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 Montagu-Chelmsford 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

StateDelhi

LocationOn the northwest of Vijay Chowk, next to the Secretariat buildings at the end of Parliament Street (Sansad Marg).

Famous asThe place where the Indian Parliament meets and the world's largest democracy functions.

Admission FeeFree, 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 Palace)-Best Known Monument of British Empire :-

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 neo-Buddhist 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 able-in-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 DelhiConstructed 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-ul-Islam 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 Governor-general 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 IndiaThe 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 KhajurahoQuick bytes

stateMadhya Pradesh

locationThe 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 outWestern Group of Temples Eastern Group of Southern Group of Temples

look outKhajuraho 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 three-headed 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 :- Jass TridentHotel Chandela 3 star hotel :- 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.