Golkonda Fort

A majestic fortress on the outskirts of Hyderabad,Golkonda Fort is one of the grandest forts of India.Built around 12th and 16th Century by various Qutub Shahi rulers,this fort has a rich history that is almost 400 years old.It is definitely a place worth visiting in case you are traveling to the south of India. One can see the elegance and grandeur of the Nawabi culture on visiting the famous Golkonda Fort of Andhra Pradesh.A tour around the fort would leave you absolutely mesmerized and you would be completely bowled over by the sheer magnitude of the fort.The Golconda fort is a fine example of magnificent architecture.

 

The fort was renowned for its diamond trade and it is said that the world famous "Kohinoor" diamond was found here.The architecture of the fort is such that a mere clap at the entrance could be used as a distress signal thus alerting others of any unseen dangers.The technique that was used was of advanced acoustics.The clever architectural plan also allowed uninterrupted supply of water throughout the year. 

The fort is built on a granite hill at a height of around 120 meters and is bordered by thick walls.The stone blocks used for constructing these massive walls weigh several tons.The structure is such that though closed,it allows much space for all over ventilation,thus allowing circulation of cool breeze that provides respite from the summer heat.The entrance gates of the fort are colossal and are fitted with iron spikes to the wart elephants from damaging them.The entire township of Golconda is surrounded by an outer wall,which is about 11 kilometers long.This long road used to be a busy market in the by gone where one could get stuff like jewellery,diamonds,pearls and other gems.

Address:  Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008,India

Phone: 040 2351 2401

Hours: open today 9AM–5:30PM

Website: www.hyd.co.in/golconda-fort

Agra Fort

Agra Fort is also known as Red Fort in Agra.The original construction of Red Fort in Agra was done by Akbar but every descendant thereafter constructed some new building or palace etc within it.Therefore,at one single place we observe monuments having been erected by Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and even Aurangzeb.The fort can be termed a vast museum of buildings where in each of the Mughal emperors contributed something.

 

Some historians believe that the site where present Red Fort constructed by Akbar is situated was the place where the Chauhan Rajputs had their Badalgarh fort.That was the centre of Rajputs might in those days.Jahangir writes in his Memoirs that his father, Akbar, demolished an existing fort, situated on the bank of Jamuna and constructed the Red Fort here. Some historians believe that the Badalgarh Fort was probably destroyed by an earthquake in 1505,which was later cleared by Akbar and the foundation of the new Red Fort lay at the same place.

This fort took eight years to complete.Construction started in 1565 and was completed in 1573.In those days it entailed a total cost of 35 lacs of rupees. Complete details about this fort are available in the royal accounts of Akbar’s days.The main responsibility of its construction was given to Mohammad Kasim Khan, Akbar’s commander-in-chief and the Governor of Kabul.

The Red fort at Agra is spread over a triangular area of one and a half miles.Its walls are 70 feet high and are made of strong red-stone.In those days Jamuna used to flow past touching its wall.There are trenches along three sides of these walls where in the water of Jamuna used to flow.Several holes have been constructed in it so that the enemy can be easily fired and there are arrangements to bombard the enemy positions from the wall.

There are four high entrances to the fort.The gate in the South direction is known as Amar Singh Gate.The main buildings in the fort are situated just behind this very gate.The gate in the front is known as Delhi Gate. These are the two main gates.The remaining two gates are closed.Mughal Emperor Akbar had built every necessary building inside the fort in the same way as he had done at Fatehpur Sikri.Since he had already established Fatehpur Sikri he followed the same pattern of buildings at Agra.Worth mention among these buildings are Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Jodhabai Palace and Emperor’s own palaces.


Address : Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003,India

Phone: 0562 296 0457

Inscription: 1983

Architectural styles: Architecture of India, Islamic architecture

Function: Monument, Fortification

Website :  www.agrafort.gov.in/

India Gate

Delhi,the heart of India has a symbol dedicated to martyrs who laid down their lives for the country in the form of India Gate.This monument is regarded as the heritage of India and is located on Raj Path in New Delhi.India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and was built in 1931 and initially named as ‘All India War Memorial’.Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and constructed in red sandstone and granite, India Gate stands 42 m tall.Each year on Republic Day (26th January) The President of India and all other top political leaders along with other dignitaries pay their obeisance at India Gate.

During World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War,about 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army lost their lives while protecting the superiority of the mighty British Empire.India Gate was built to honor these soldiers.One can also see the name of these soldiers inscribed on the walls of India Gate.Before independence there was a statue of King George V just in front of India Gate which was removed after independence.India gate is designed by Edwin Lutyens.If you look carefully then you will found that On wall of India gate India is written in bold encrypted letters on both sides.Walls of India Gate are scripted throughout from top to bottom with names of those soldiers who Becomes martyr and sacrifice their life for their country.There is a pedestal also which have rifal with cap of those soldiers as a tribute to all soldiers.

After independence a few modifications have been made to India Gate.With these changes India Gate has become a site for Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives at the time of freedom struggle.Amar Jawan Jyoti (the flame of immortal warriors) was built much later to honor India soldiers who lost their lives in 1971 war with Pakistan.The Amar Jawan Jyoti is made up of black marble and has a gun and a soldier’s cap on top of it.

Though historical importance is still attached to the monument,but India Gate has also become a picnic spot for many Delhities, because of its surrounding lawns,fountains and the view of Rashtrapati Bhawan.Go to India Gate on Saturday or Sunday evening to see a number of families enjoying food and the weather at India Gate.Children enjoy themselves a lot there and you can find many vendors of ice-creams, fruit chaat,cold drinks etc nearby.

Address   :    Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110001,India

Height: 42 m

Opened: February 12, 1931

Phone: 011 2464 7005

Architect: Edwin Lutyens

Website : www.indiagetonline.in

Gate way Of India

Gateway of India (built 1913-24)

The Gateway of India is one of the distinguishing landmarks of Mumbai.Set at the tip of the reclaimed land of the Apollo Bunder, it adjoins the Mumbai Harbour and the Arabian Sea in the Colaba area of the city.The monument marks the area as one of India�s major ports and as a principle point where many visitors originally arrived in India. Formerly it served to symbolize elements of the British grandeur and influence in India.Today it is a popular tourist attraction and meeting point.

The Gateway is a huge stone Arch of Triumph originally constructed to commemorates the first-ever visit of a British Monarch to India.King George V and his consort Queeen Mary came ashore near here in December, 1911.The foundations were laid in December 1913, but from then until 1919 construction of a seawall and reclarmation of the land from the sea interrupted the project. Construction of the monument was finally begun in May 1920,and it was formally opened in December 1924.It is built of a yellow Kharodi basalt from nearby quarries. The central dome has a diameter of 48 ft, (14.4m); it is 83 ft (24.9m) to its apex.

It was designed by the Scotsman George Wittet (1878-1926),who helped popularize the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture that combined Gothic-like flamboyance with Muslim-Indian architectural features.Wittet also designed the nearby Prince of Wales Museum, the King Edward Memorial Hospital and the Institute of Science, among other significant buildings.The Gateway is a traditional-style triumphal arch based on 16th century Muslim styles of Gujarat. The last British troops formally to leave India formal passed through its archway in February, 1948.Since then it has become a much appreciated symbol of Mumbai,the financial capital of India.

In the immediate vicinity and behind a small park is the majestic and historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel,which pre-dates the Gateway by twenty years. The Indian industrialist and nationalist,Jamshetji Nusserwangji Tata,(1839-1904) laid the foundations of the hotel in 1898.Barred from entering the exclusive Green�s Hotel because of his Indian nationality,he decided to build a hotel that would far surpass the hotel from which he had been barred.

The Taj Mahal opened in 1903 and was first modern hotel in Bombay.In its time it was one of the most modern hotels in Asia with Moorish domes and the finest European technology that was then available.It became Jamshetji�s statement of patriotic pride in his city as well as one of India�s enduring architectural landmarks.

Twin bomb blasts in Mumbai on August 25, 2003, included one that exploded in a taxi in a parking lot by the Gateway of India and the Hotel.
The terrorist explosions took 52 lives.Little permanent damage occurred to the two major monuments in the area.

Address: Mumbai, Maharashtra,India

Opened: December 4, 1924

Height: 26 m

Client: India

Built by: George Wittet

Architectural style: Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture

Architect: George Wittet


Website : www.gatewayhouse.in

Siddhivinayak Temple

This story is in the backdrop of Tretayug. Once upon a time Brahmadev chanted his monosyllabic mantra while he performed Shree Ganesh’s penances. He did so as he brewed the desire to create the world. After being pleased, Shree Ganesh blessed him with the boon. While Lord Brahma was performing the rituals, two ladies, by the names Riddhi and Siddhi made an appearance at the site. Lord Brahma treated them as daughters and got them married to Shree Ganesh.

There were three sects of people that Lord Brahma created. They were Brahmins, Kshatriyas and the Shudras. He created them from his arms and thighs. Moon was created from his heart and the sun was made from his eyes. Heaven was born out of his head, air and life was created from his ear and the earth itself from his legs. Post these; he concentrated on the creation of seas, shrubs, trees, rivers etc. when all these activities kept Lord Brahma busy, Lord Indra was enjoying his yogindra, his sleep. In the whole process, two demons also found way to being. Madhu and Kaitabha were born out of the dirt of Brahma’s ears. They started bothering Brahmadev. As a result, Prithvi, Shesha, and Brahma were in a fit. In order to stop the pandemonium, Lord Brahma allured the Nidradevi out of Vishnu so that he could wake up.  Vishnu was awake and fought the asuras. But there was no defeat, even after a span of 5000 years.

Lord Vishnu abandoned the fight. And transformed himself into Gandharva and got engaged into celestial singing while playing the veena. This was heard by Lord Shankara from his abode at Kailasa. He ordered his two soldiers Nikumbh and Pushpadanta to herald Vishnu to Kailasa. Vishnu bowed in front of Shankara and contributed with his Veena Gayan. Mahadev was satisfied by the rendition and gave out a boon. Hari Vishnu reported the havoc created by the demons and sought his help to kill them. Shankara pointed out that as Vishnu did not take the name of Gajanan before the fight, the result was not favourable to him. Shankara shared the six letter long Ganesh Mantra and instructed Vishnu to meditate at the Sidhhi Kshetra.

For the following 100 years, Vishnu chanted the mantra. Pleased, Vinayaka made his appearance and bestowed upon Vishnu the power to destroy the demons.vishnu constructed a huge temple that had four gates. Inside the temple, he placed the idol of Ganesha. The idol was made up of stones from the Gandaki River. That idol has the name of Siddihvinayak. And the temple got the name of Siddhtak, as it marks the place where Vishnu got his salvation.

Vishnu returned to the battlefield and confronted the demons saying “I am satisfied by your bravery. You can ask for any boon.” This infuriated and insulted the demons who in reply said “we are pleased by your valor. It is you who can ask for the boon.” Vishnu took advantage of the situated and asked for the boon “you will accept death at my hands.”

This was a shock for the demons. As there was water all around, they made a request asking Vishnu to kill him in a place where there is no water. At this instant, Vishnu emerged as Vishwaroop, [laced the demons on his lap and killed them with the help of his sudarshan chakra.
Few years after the construction, came the destruction of the temple. A shepherd saw Shree Vinayak in his dreams, getting information about his presence on the hill. Shepherd made the discovery of the idol. He started conducting poojas all by himself. Shree Ganesh made another appearance and instructed him to get the ceremonies conducted by a Brahmin purohit. In accordance with the instruction, the shepherd did the arrangements. The temple was rebuilt during the peshwa regime.

Address : SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028,India

Phone : 022 2437 362

Website : www.siddhivinayak.org

Akshardham

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.

Address: Noida Mor, New Delhi, Delhi 110092,India




Phone:011 4344 2344

Hours: open today  9:30AM–6:30PM

Website : www.akshardham.com

The Red Fort

The history of Red Fort Delhi cannot be summed up in words as its history is connected with centuries of Mughal rule in country.Mughal ruler Shah Jahan had varied needs of this fort and it was made according to those needs.The mammoth sized fort made a distinguished presence in the medieval time of India and is related to the time line of this country to this date.

In 1639,when Mughal ruler Shah Jahan transited his capital from Agra to Delhi, the construction of Red Fort was ordered by him in the north-eastern side of the newly founded city of Shahjahanabad.Shahjahanabad in present day is known as Old Delhi.The construction took nearly a decade to complete,and Yamuna water was used to feed the moat built all around the fort.

The construction of Red Fort by the sandstone of red color in large scale gave it the name Red Fort.The majesty of the fort is the first thing to notice but the red color became an essential feature of the aura of the fort and is easily recognized with it.The magnitude of the size of the fort can be estimated by the fact that it took ten years to complete the fort.It has almost two and half kilometer perimeter with tallest structure of 33 meters.The fort has become one of most sought after tourist destination in the modern time.

History of Red Fort Delhi reveals that numerous sections were built in the fort according the specific functions and needs in mind.“Deewan-e-Aam” is hall built for general public to interact with the emperor.It has a string of columns made of Gold with rail that would mark the boundary between people and the king. “Deewan-e-Khas is another hall made up of natural stones which was used for privately held meetings of the emperor.Many other such marvels of architecture are present in the fort like the “Hammams” or the bath places specially built for the royal family. “Shahi Burj” is another place where the emperor’s office was built and the emperor spent time working privately. “Rang Mahal” or the Palace of Colors was a special place built for the wives of the emperor.It has a huge pool spot with beautiful crafted ceiling,having gold covered towers and a number of mirrors in arrangement.

“Naqqar Khana” is a place in the Fort where the musicians would play music specific to the particular time of the day.This place is situated at the very entry to the palace and visitors to the Place would disembark from their ride (elephants) at this place.

All the information about the history of the Red Fort Delhi is of the archeological importance or of tourist related activities.Red Fort being close to some other historical monuments also e.g.,Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat gets large number of tourists every year.Also the Red Fort is used for addressing the nation on the Independence Day of India by the Prime Minister each year.


Address: Netaji Subhash Marg,Chandni Chowk,New Delhi,110006,India




Phone:011 2327 7705


Website : www.redfortdelhi.co.in