Thursday 24 May 2012

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid of Delhi is the largest mosque in India. The Jama Masjid stands across the road in front of the Red Fort. Built between 1644 and 1658, Jama Masjid is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid holds thousands of faithful. Jama Masjid is located on a mound in the heart of the old city and projects beautifully into the Old-Delhi skyline. Jama Masjid Mosque was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Originally called the Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, or "mosque commanding view of the world", the Jama Masjid stands at the center of the erstwhile capital city of the Mughals, Shahjahanbad.

The Jama Masjid was completed under the supervision of Saadullah Khan, the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. A sum of Rs 10 lakhs was spent on the construction of the Jama Masjid. The Jama Masjid is built on a red sandstone porch, about 30 feet (10 m) from the level of the ground and is about 1400 square yards (1200 m²) in extent. The Jama Masjid has three gateways, four towers and two minarets. The gateways in the north and south are led by a fleet of steps. The main entrance is on the eastern side facing the red fort. It was probably used by the emperors. The tower of the Jama Masjid is made up of five distinctive storeys. Each one of the storeys has a projecting balcony. The adjoining edifices are beautifully done with calligraphy.


The first three storeys of the Jama Masjid tower are made of red sandstone and the fourth one is made of marble, while the fifth is made of sandstone. The Jama Masjid is covered with intricate carvings and has verses inscribed from the holy Koran. The grand Red fort (Lal Qila) stands on the eastern side of the Jama Masjid. The main prayer hall of the Jama Masjid is made up of high cusped arches and marble domes. The cabinet in the north gate of the Jama Masjid contains a collection of Muhammad's relics - the Koran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints, implanted in a marble block.

Lodi Garden of Delhi

Established in the 15th-16th century by the Sayyids and Lodis, the vast grounds of Lodi Garden are famous among the joggers of the Delhi city of India. Carefully kept gardens and the medieval monuments lend a charm to these gardens. In 1968, J.A Stein and Garrett Eckbo re-landscaped these gardens giving them their present beautified form. The several tombs situated in the garden belong to the Lodi and Sayyid Era and include Muhammad Shah's Tomb and Sikander Lodi's tomb. Muhammad Shah (1434 - 44) was the third ruler of Sayyid dynasty.

His tomb has been built in a typical octagonal pattern with a central octagonal chamber, verandahs, three arched openings on each side and sloping buttress. Inspired by Mubarak Shah's tomb, this tomb has a more compact plan, high dome, matching chhatris and better proportions. Apart from this, there are other tombs, namely Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad. Bara Gumbad or the Big Dome is a square tomb with an imposing dome. Its facades appear to be two storied.

It has turrets on corners, arches, stuccowork and painting ornamenting the interiors. It is believed that the tomb belongs to an officer of high rank who served Sikandar Lodi. Besides the tomb, there is the Bara-Gumbad mosque, built with ashlar stone. Its rectangular prayer-hall has five arched openings and is a fine example of the early Mughal mosques. The tapering minarets, built in the Tughluq style, colored tiles and Quranic inscriptions ornament this mosque. Built in 1494, this mosque was constructed during the reign of Sikandar Lodi.

Shish Gumbad tomb is built in the usual square pattern, with a 'double-storied' appearance, and looks much like Bara Gumbad. Its ceiling has incised plasterwork, with floral patterns and Quranic inscriptions. One can still see the traces of the blue tiles that once adorned it and gave it the name of 'Glazed dome'. There are several graves inside it. Sikandar Lodi's Tomb is built in the octagonal tomb pattern, much like Muhammad Shah's tomb. The chhatris over its roof are no more to be seen.

Another interesting construction here is the 'Athpula' Bridge. It was built by Nawab Bahadur in the 16th century, during Akbar's reign. This is bridge is called Athpula (eight bridge), as it rests on eight piers, forming seven arches. Besides these tombs, one can also visit the National Bonsai Park developed here, which has a delightful collection of miniature versions of several trees and plants. They look beautiful at sunset under soft light. Originally known as the Lady Willingdon Park, it was renamed Lodi Garden after Indian Independence in 1947.

The Garden of Five Senses

The Garden of Five Senses is a large public space for the city of Delhi where people can come to unwind and relax. People of all genres find something in the garden they can relate to and enjoy. It is an effort to create a democratic space which would benefit all sections of the society.

It looks at the wider perspective of ‘Garden as Public Space’. There is a broad range of areas, from the more intense activity zones, like the food courts and shops, to contemplative zones, like the fragrant gardens, colour gardens, and the Lily Pool. The project is one of India’s largest commissions of public art featuring works of over 25 artists.

The garden has been planned to respect the natural ecological features of the site - the native plants and the beautiful rocky ridge outcrop. Over 200 species of plants create a rich collage of form, colour and texture. The aim was to create a balance between the built and unbuilt as well as the man-made and the natural.

The architecture may be described as quirky and fun, where the traditional brick and stonework is offset by quixotic concrete columns, mosaic work and dramatic planting effects.

Jantar Mantar (New Delhi)


Jantar Mantar in Connaugth Place, New Delhi was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the ruler & founder of Jaipur, in India. This ancient monument (built in 1724) is one of the five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh II as he was given by Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah the task of revising the calendar and astronomical tables. Besides Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the other four being located at Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura. The main objective of making Jantar Mantar observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets.

This great masterpiece of Indian architecture is located at Parliament Street, Connaught Place. Jantar Mantar in Connaught Place is maintained by the Jaipur government because it was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1710 A.D.

History of Jantar Mantar
All these observatories were made during the period of AD 1724-1730. That was the time when Mughal Empire was rapidly declining. During this period turmoil, Muhammad Shah ascended the throne of the Mughal Empire. But since there were number of enemies surrounded him, he south the alliance of many Hindu rulers, out of whom Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber was the most notable one. Sawaii Jai Singh was barely 11 years old when throne of Amber was ascended to him in 1699 but he handled the situation so well that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb gave him the title of 'Sawai', meaning one and a quarter of an average man in worth. As Muhammad Shah was seeking a reliable ally with Hindu ruler, Jai Singh proved to be a dependable ally of Mughals. He was also one of the noble in Mughal court.

Jai Singh was a keen astronomer and passionate about art and science mainly astronomy. Once in the court he found Hindu and Muslim astronomer having a heated argument about certain astronomical fact to find out an auspicious hour for the emperor to set out on an expedition. Jai Singh then offered to rectify the then available astronomical tables. He was dissatisfied by the brass and metal astronomical instruments and decided to correct and update the astronomical records with more accurate instruments. The result was an onsite Jantar Mantar in Delhi, an astronomical observatory where the movements of sun, moon and planets could be observed.



Structure
Maharaja Jai Singh named this observatory in New Delhi as Yantra Mantra (Yantra means instrument and mantra means formula). As the time goes on this is being known as Jantar Mantar. There are four distinct instruments within the observatory of Jantar Mantar: the Samrat Yantra, the Ram Yantra, the Jayaprakasht, and the Mishra yantras.

The Samrat Yantra 'Prince of Dials' is the largest device and used to measure the accurate time of the day. It also measured the declination of the sun which can be seen by the shadow moving around the structure.

The Jai Prakash Yantra consists of hollowed out hemispheres with markings on their concave surfaces, shows the sun's position at the time of equinox. There is a hole near the bottom of the structure which witnesses sunshine only once in a year that is on 21 march, called vernal eqinox.

Another important structure called the Ram Yantra, consists of two large buildings with open top. Both these two buildings form a complete device. The device is used to measure the altitude of stars which is equivalent to the latitude and the longitude on the earth.

The Mishra yantra were able to indicate when it was noon in various cities all over the world. It consists of five instruments. Pillars on the southwest of Mishra Yantra are used to measure the shortest day (21 December) and the longest day (21 June) of the year.

The whole structure of Jantar Mantar is made of stone and marble with each of then having an engraved astronomical scale. Jantar Mantar finally got the status of a national monument in 1948. As compared to other observatories this one is the largest and the best preserved today. Jantar Mantar Observatory in Connught Place, New Delhi is an integral part of India’s scientific heritage. The Jantar Mantar in Delhi is often projected in travel books, brochures, on postage stamps and was the logo of the 1982 Asian Games. It has always attracted architects, historians and scientists from all over the world. Jantar mantar remains one of the most intriguing structures of Indian capital, one that explodes in a burst of questions in the mind of the inquisitive tourist.

Friday 18 May 2012

Akshardham temple



One of the most popular and amazing tourist attractions in the Indian nation is Akshardham temple.Known for its beauty and wide area Akshardham has several attributes that defines the existence and motive of human. Destiny of humankind along with universe details comprises the history of Akshardham temple. Researchers do not call this place only as temple as it is the place of enlightenment, education and entertainment. The entire area of Akshardham spreads over 23 acres and it includes parks, rides, lakes, sculptures and shrines flooded over the complete area of temple. All these things collectively describe the entire experience of India’s rich heritage and culture. Akshardham temple history devotes its existence to Lord Swaminarayan and has its inspiration from Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Thousands of people and volunteers have invested their money and service to establish this miraculous architecture of Akshardham that explores the rich culture of religion.
 


The followers of Lord Swaminarayan work over here by spreading and enhancing the flavor of spirituality and devotion with complete peace of mind. This monument based on authentic and modern techniques present the perfect impression or imprint of Indian architecture with religious culture. The architecture comprises of pink sandstone that comes from Rajasthan. More than thousands of these exclusive stones are carved with historical imprints that narrate the rich culture of India through pictures and carvings. The artists and builders have not used cement or metals like steel so that monument lives for years to come.
The history of Akshardham temple suggests that there are about 93 pillars that are sculpted and more than 40 windows having carving from either sides that allows patterns to look outstanding. The carving done on pillars and the walls of temple are actually poetic and looks wonderful in narrating the aura of devotion towards the culture. This particular temple has its name in the book of records in world, Guinness and it includes all the basic amenities and features that allow offering a prayer. Akshardham Temple history is available on stores and internet for the people having interest in this religious monument. The temple does not ask you to follow particular God rather it just asks people to pray their mentor or teacher that is to whom they owe their existence. All these theories by Lord Swaminarayan were compiled together and the place called Akshardham came in to origin. People here come to practice self-peace of mind and soul as per historical aim of this temple.

Lotus Temple of India

The construction of this Bahá’í temple became possible because the staunch believers all over the world made their donations for it. The building works started on April 21st, 1980, and were finished on December 24th, 1986. In order to construct this magnificent temple, a talented Canadian architect, born in Iran, Fariburz Sahba was employed. The Lotus Temple is a preaching house for the Bahá’í adepts and at the same time one of the most vivid structures of the modern Delhi.
The temple building has the shape of a giant lotus flower, which consists of twenty seven petals, which are arranged into three rows. The lotus petals are made of white concrete, and outside they are covered with slabs of white Greek marble. It took two years only to make a computer model of the great temple. The Lotus Temple is unique due to the fact that it does not contain a single straight line. The entrance to the temple territory is free and anyone can step inside, no matter to which religion he or she belongs to.
The building also possesses a unique ventilation system, which is based on the ventilation principles of ancient structures. The warm air from the central hall comes out through an opening in the dome, and the cool air enters the hall after coming through a system of water tanks and the foundation.
In order to ascend to the temple, you have to take off your shoes. At the beginning of the stairs there is a special place where you can leave them absolutely for free, without being worried about their destiny. When you come back, your belongings will be returned to you, for sure.
People who wish to visit this sacred place have to unite into small groups. They are formed right at the entrance. Inside the temple it is forbidden to talk, take photos and shoot video. It is very quiet and cool there. Beneath the dome the giant golden symbol of Bahá’í is situated. Right under it several rows of chairs are placed, where one can sit and dream: the only condition here is being quiet. Before the temple was constructed, the place that it occupies now was known as the mystical settlement Bahá’í Pur (translated from Hindu as “the house of Bahá’í”).
At the exit from the territory of the Lotus Temple there is a small museum devoted to the process of its construction, with photos, miniatures and instruments that were used in the building works. This is a must to see this museum during your visit to the Temple, as it contains a lot of things that will catch your imagination.
Here are several curious facts about the Lotus Temple:
- The land plot for the construction was bought in 1953.
- The Temple occupies the territory of about twenty six acres.
- The height of the Temple is a bit more than thirty four meters.
- It has enough space for 1300 people.
- The temple is surrounded by nine pools.
- The diameter of the structure is seventy meters.

At the end of our journey, it is worth telling about a prophecy about this unusual and impressive structure: “Four hundred and fifty years ago Shah Akbar, the greatest of the Mogul dynasty, dreamt about his own majestic palace and about uniting all the peoples of India under the single universal faith: “And I had a dream that stone by stone I erected a sacred temple. Not a pagoda, nor a mosque nor a church, but a more elevated and simple one, with gates open for the breath of Heaven, and the Truth, Peace, Love and Justice found a home in it”.
The center of the hall, which is octagonal in shape typical of Mogul architecture, stands the Cenotaph of Humayun. It is surrounded by smaller octagonal halls on alternate corners. It also has arched lobbies on the sides. But it is a closed structure secluded through Jaalis. There is an arch on every side. The central arch is the highest among them. All the floors of the Humayun's tomb have uniform design. The top floor has a 42 meters high double dome with marble and cenotaphs around it. This architectural design used, known as 'Hasht Bahisht' (Eight circles of Paradise), is first in the sub-continent.

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb, considered the masterpiece of the Indo-Islamic culture, was built in the year 1565 by Haji Begum, the eldest widow of the Mogul emperor Humayun. This was built on the bank of the then river Yamuna. It is built on a large stone platform, typical of all the monuments of that era. The stone pedestal was surrounded on three sides by lush-green lawns. On the back of the structure was river Yamuna. Though the river has shifted its course in these years, one can still find the traces of marks left by the gurgling water.

The mausoleum was commissioned to one Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, who started the work in the year 1556. It is said that the total expenditure on the project was more than 1 million rupees at that time. This structure has been designed keeping in view the Iranian 'Charbhag'. This particular style was brought in India by Emperor Babur who greatly detested the existing indigenous style. Therefore the building has gardens and high walls on 3 sides which are further divided in to 36 equal areas with the help of fountains and canal.

The footpath which leads to the main structure is abruptly very long. This was a pioneer in design. You will have to cross not less than gardens and as many as two intimidating gateways before you reach your destination. This style was later applied in the building of Taj Mahal. In fact, there are many things in the Taj, which have been copied from this tomb, such as 'Charbagh' style and Crescent on the top of the dome. The surrounding garden is spread in not less than 350 square meters. This architecturally pioneer tomb is mainly built of red sandstone and red and white marble. It has a series of cells with arched openings.

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is the pride of Delhi. The tall minaret was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later completed by his successor Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture.

Qutub Minar is a World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively. The Minar of Delhi is surrounded by a lush green garden, which is an ideal leisurely place for visitors. Qutab Minar is the favourite destination of tourists. It is India's most visited monument attracting around 3.9 million visitors every year.

Qutub minar, delhi Each of the 5 storeys and tower of Qutub Minar has unique designs.

It was hit by lightening couple of times and was damaged. The subsequent rulers repaired it. Thus it is standing mightily as it was before till date.

Qutab Minar is a great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The base of the Qutub Minar measures 14.32 meters and the top of the structure measures 2.75 meters. The bird eye's view of Delhi city from the top is amazing. The base of first storey has alternate angular and circular flutings, the second one is round. The third storey of the Qutub Minar has angular flutings. The balconies projecting out heighten the beauty of the Minar.

The tower is so high that around 379 steps are needed to be climbed to reach the top. Another taller tower adjacent to Qutub Minar is named Alai Minar which is somewhat tilted in one direction.

The verses from the holy Qur'an are carved on sandstone walls of Qutub Minar. This monument serves the purpose of calling people for prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. This is a tower of victory, a monument that signify the might of Islam, or a tower for keeping a check for defense.


Tourist attractions near Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar has some adjoining structures that lend shine of some of its fame. The Qutub complex houses the iron wonder nearby. The Iron Pillar is one of the metallurgical interests of the world. It is a thing to study as well as famous tourist destination. Traditionally people believe that if anyone standing in front of pillar with his back towards the column can encircle it with their arms, all his wishes will be fulfilled. Government has built a fence around it for safety.

An earthquake damaged top two floors of the minar during the rule of Firoz Shah; but was repaired by Firoz Shah himself. He built marble pavilions here. In the year 1505, earthquake again damaged it and was repaired by Sikandar Lodi. Once again the minar faced earthquake in the year 1794, then Major Smith refurbished the affected parts of the minar and replaced Firoz Shah's pavilion with his own pavilion. This pavilion was again removed in the year 1848 by Lord Hardinge. Now it can be seen lying between the Dak Bungalow and the Minar in the garden.

Many natural conditions weathered the minar but it is still standing with all the might owing to time to time renovations and reinstated and renovated by the respective rulers.

Saturday 5 May 2012

Rajghat, Gandhi Samadhi, New Delhi

Delhi, Rajghat Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi

Raj Ghat (meaning Royal Steps) is a beautiful, peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple and somber black granite platform marks the site where, on January 31, 1948, Gandhi's last rites/cremation were performed. An eternal flame burns perpetually in the middle (end) of the square stone. The memorial was designed to reflect Gandhi's simple life. The inscription in the stone, "He Ram" ("Oh God"), is believed to be Gandhi's last words.

Bright garlands of orange marigolds are laid on the platform. A commemorative ceremony is held every Friday. Prayer ceremonies are held on Gandhi's birthday (Oct. 2) and death anniversary (Jan. 30), when national leaders gather to honor Gandhi. It is customary for foreign leaders visiting Delhi to pay their respects to Gandhi by laying flowers or wreaths on the platform as well.
Beautiful lawns surround the walled enclosure that houses the memorial. A footpath leads to the memorial. You must remove your shoes before entering the enclosure.
It is said that 10,000 visitor's a day visit the memorial. If that is so, we were very lucky since it was hardly crowded when we visited. This was definitely the most special place in Delhi.
The memorial is located across the road from the Gandhi National Museum.

History of Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful and costly tombs in the world. The Mughal Emperor Shahjahan ordered it built in memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1629A.D.
Islamic architecture, in its purest form, is epitomized by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan's Taj Mahal. Work started on this movement in 1634 continued for almost 22 years.

 Situated in the city of Agra in India, on the banks of the river Yamuna, the Taj is enclosed in a garden amongst fountains and ornamental trees.The walled complex includes two mosques and an imposing gateway. The tomb is encased in white marble which is decorated with flawless sculptures and inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy cut from precious gems. Below the dome in a dimly lit chamber lie the mortal remains of Shahjahan and beloved wife,queen Mumtaz Mahal, reminding the world of their undying love. It rests on a platform of red sandstone .

At each corner of the platform stands a slender minaret (prayer tower). Each tower is 133 feet high . The building itself is 186 feet square. A dome covers the center of the building. It is 70 feet in diameter and 120 feet high.Passages from the Muslim holy book, Quern, decorate the outside. Built in charming environs, the Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful architectural work in the world. Without doubt, The Taj Mahal ranks as amongst the most perfect buildings in the world, flawlessly proportionate, built entirely out of marble. Intended to be a commemoration of the memory of Shahjahan's beloved wife , in reality it is his gift to entire human race.

Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the heart of a Mughal prince. She was married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir’s third son Prince Khurram and stayed loyally by his side through good times and bad: in the luxurious royal palaces of Agra as well as the transient tents of war camps. In AD 1628, Khurram became king after a bloody battle of succession: he took the name Shahjahan or “King of the World” and showered his beloved begum with the highest titles. She became Mumtaz Mahal, the exalted of the palace and Mumtaz-ul-Zamani, the exalted of the Age. But Mumtaz Mahal was not destined to be queen for long.
In 1631, Shahjahan went on an expedition to the south and, as always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. But she died in childbirth at Burhanpur. She had borne Shahjahan fourteen children, of whom four sons and three daughters survived. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. Shahjahan was inconsolable and contemporary chronicles tell of the royal court mourning for two years. there was no music, no feasting, and no celebration of any kind.
For centuries, the Taj Mahal has aggressive poets, painters and musicians to try and abduction its ambiguous abracadabra in word, colour and song. It is one of the best absolute architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers accept beyond continents to appear and see this ultimate canonizing to love, and few accept been blah by its incomparable beauty.
Taj Mahal stands in the burghal of Agra, in the arctic Indian accompaniment of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was congenital in the anamnesis of the admirable Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the affection of a Mughal prince. She was affiliated at 21 to Emperor Jahangir’s third son Prince Khurram and backward absolutely by his ancillary through acceptable times and bad: in the comfortable aristocratic palaces of Agra as able-bodied as the brief tents of war camps.
In AD 1628, Khurram became baron afterwards a blood-soaked action of succession: he took the name Shahjahan or “King of the World” and showered his admired begum with the accomplished titles. She became Mumtaz Mahal, the astral of the alcazar and Mumtaz-ul-Zamani, the astral of the Age. But Mumtaz Mahal was not destined to be queen for long.
In 1631, Shahjahan went on an campaign to the south and, as always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. But she died in accouchement at Burhanpur. She had borne Shahjahan fourteen children, of whom four sons and three daughters survived. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was aloof 39 years old. Shahjahan was comfortless and abreast chronicles acquaint of the aristocratic cloister aching for two years. there was no music, no feasting, and no anniversary of any kind.



Epitome Of Adulation -Taj Mahal:
Shahjahan, who was a amorous builder, now absitively to arrect a canonizing to his queen in aboriginal marble that the apple would never forget. The armpit called for the tomb was a garden by the Yamuna river, unshadowed by any added structure. The garden had been laid by Raja Man Singh of Amber and now belonged to his grndson, Raja Jai Singh. By a aristocratic firman, Shahjahan gave Jai Singh four havelis in barter for the garden. The armpit was additionally called because it was amid on a angle in the river, and so could be apparent from Shahjahan’s claimed alcazar in Agra Fort, added upstream.
Construction Of The Catacomb - Taj Mahal:
Work on the catacomb began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to body it. The best accomplished architects, applique craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all beyond Indian and acreage as abroad as Persia and Turkey. The adept architect was from Baghdab, an able in architecture the bifold arch from Persia, and an applique specialist from Delhi.
Yemen beatific agates, the corals came from Arabia, the garnets from Bundelkhand, atramentous and amethyst from Persia. Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting-place was bizarre like a queen’s jewel-box.
The Taj Mahal has inspired painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most attractive architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty and scenery.
Location
Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the heart of a Mughal prince. She was married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir’s third son Prince Khurram and stayed loyally by his side through good times and bad: in the luxurious royal palaces of Agra as well as the transient tents of war camps. In AD 1628, Khurram became king after a battle of succession: he took the name Shahjahan or “King of the World” and showered his beloved begum with the highest titles. She became Mumtaz Mahal, the exalted of the palace and Mumtaz-ul-Zamani, the exalted of the Age. But Mumtaz Mahal was not destined to be queen for long.

In 1631, Shahjahan went on an expedition to the south and, as always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. But she died in childbirth at Burhanpur. She had borne Shahjahan fourteen children, of whom four sons and three daughters survived. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. Shahjahan was inconsolable and contemporary chronicles tell of the royal court mourning for two years. there was no music, no feasting, and no celebration of any kind.
construction

it began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it. The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all across Indian and lands as distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason was from Baghdab, an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and an inlay specialist from Delhi.The all labours and baghdab had worked hard to build this beautifull MAHAL.

Yemen sent agates, the corals came from Arabia, the garnets from Bundelkhand, onyx and amethyst from Persia. Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting-place was ornamented like a queen’s jewel-box.

Friday 4 May 2012

India Gate-Delhi

Situated in Rajpath in Delhi the India Gate bears immense historical significance. A 42 meter high gateway built in red stone and granite the India Gate was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyen the architect who laid out the plan for Delhi. The foundation stone of India Gate of Delhi was laid by the Duke of Connaught. The construction of India Gate of Delhi was completed in February 1921.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the capital the India Gate today acts as a popular picnic spot for most of the tourists and citizens of Delhi.

Also known as the 'All India War Memorial', the India Gate India Gate in Delhi was constructed as a memorial in honor of 90,000 soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I and also the Third Anglo Afghan War. 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' or the flame of the immortal warrior is burning under it since 1971. The eternal flame reminds one of the sacrifices of those brave soldiers who lost their precious lives in an attempt to protect the country.

India Gate in Delhi at present is a famous relaxation for the local people of Delhi in summer evenings and a popular picnic spot in winter months. The popular India Gate is located at the heart of the capital, and easily accessible by the tourists. Delhi India Gate lies at the east end of Janpath that leads to the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

India Gate offers a variety of entertainment. The whole day can be spent by watching monkey performance, riding a camel, viewing the soap bubbles that is blown all over the lawns of the India Gate, playing with balloons and more. In the evening, Delhi's India Gate is crowded with evening walkers as well as tourists and mobile vendors. You can taste the typical Indian fast foods, 'fruit chaat', 'bhelpuri', 'chana jor garam', 'dal ka pakodas', aerated drinks from the arcade of vendors stationed there.

Red Fort - Delhi





The Red Fort or the Lal Quila as it is traditionally called is situated in old Delhi, the capital of India. The Red Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century that took around 9 years to complete this magnificent structure and around 10 million rupees to build the fort. The Red Fort is a masterpiece of architecture and is one of the most visited spot in old Delhi. Tourists from India and abroad never miss the opportunity to visit this huge structure.
Tourists can easily take a taxi or other mode of transport to reach the place. If you are new to the city, the city map can be of great help. You can also find the right road to reach the place and check out the nearby places as well. Red Fort is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna and is still a significant monument that provides a glimpse of the grandeur of the past. Apart from the magnificent fort, one can also find various beautiful structures inside the fort like the halls of public, marble palaces, mosque, gardens, and plush apartments all in their rich architecture that shows you the prosperous past of the Emperor. The fort even today continues to mesmerize visitors with its impressive red sandstone wall, huge bastions, and some of the finest and intricate work done on the walls that are not to be seen anywhere in other structures.

While you stroll in the fort, you can have a peek in the life of the emperor and also imagine the workings of the Emperor that was carried out and the hugeness of all the things that would take place inside the fort. The fort includes the most famous Diwan-i-Am, which is the hall for public, where the emperor used to listen to the complaints of the people and find solutions to their problems. There is also a Diwan-i-Khas that was for the private people only, where the Emperor discusses plans, strategies and secret meetings. There used to be a peacock throne for the Emperor, which had all types of precious stones build in it. It was made of gold and was quite huge. It was however, carried away by Nadir Shah to Iran in 1739.


Red fort is an enjoyable excursion and you will love to see the various attractions that the fort has. The royal baths or Hammams as it was rightly called was the place where the royals took bath in all their pleasure. The Shahi burj was the working place of Shahjahan that has some wonderful work done inside. The Moti Masjid is another structure that is worth seeing, but was built by Aurangzeb, son of Shahjahan. A special place for the ladies of the fort is also built called the Ran Mahal. This place is a real treat to the eyes and you can see delicately painted walls, intricate worked mirrors, gilded turrets, ceiling complete with gold and silver designs reflects its beauty in the central pool inside the palace on the marble floor.

Visitors can visit the place any time during 9.30 am to 4.30 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays. One can get entry by paying fees and is free on Fridays. The place can be reached easily from anywhere and has a good network of roads. One can also take a look at the other places of interest by taking a look at the map. The map includes several other attractions that you will enjoy visiting.

Map of India