The Lahore gate, the main entrance, has
some emotions and sentiments attached with the Indian
independence as the Tricolour flutters on the top of this
gate. On 15th August the Indian Prime minister addresses
the nation from here. As soon one enters in the fort from
the Lahore gate There is a small Bazzar, here all kinds
of items are available. This Shopping arcade was known
as the Mina Bazar and was open only to women on Thursdays`s
during the Mughal era.
The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana or
the drum house where the Musicians used to play drums
on the arrival of Emperors or princes. Just above the
Naubat Khana is the Indian war memorial museum which has
a rich collection of armours, guns, swords, and other
items related to war.
The Dewan-i-Am or the place of public
hearing had a wall paneled with marble in laid with precious
stone which were removed during the mutiny of 1857. The
Dewan-i-Khas or the place for special hearing was the
area where the emperor used to hold meetings with his
ministers. Next to Dewan-i-Khas are the royal baths or
the Hammams and Shahi Burj which are closed for public
viewing. The white marbled Moti Masjid or the pearl mosque
was the private mosque for Aurangzeb.
QUTUB MINAR
In 1199, Qutbuddin raised the Qutab Minar either as a
victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque.
From a base of 14.32 mtrs. it tapers to 2.75 mtrs. at
a height of 72.5 mtrs. It is still the highest stone tower
in India, one of the finest stone tower in India, one
of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi`s
recognised landmark. It was completed by the Sultan`s
successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The tomb of Iltutmish,
which he himself built in 1235, is nearby, Its interiors
are profusely decorated with calligraphy, though the dome
has collapsed.
RAJPATH
Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host
to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings
and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located
on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously
the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations
and Rallies. India Gate is towards the eastern end of
Rajpath
INDIA GATE
India Gate is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears
the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in
the campaigns of WW1, the North-West Frontiers operations
and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial
to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green
grass lawns and trees.
THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament house is the supreme law
making body in the country. It is the center of power
and politicians decide the fate of the Indian Democracy
here. Visitors are not allowed inside the house but when
the house is in session, visitors may take permission
to go inside and watch the proceedings of the house. The
parliament consists of three halls- Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
and the central hall. For the foreign visitors permits
are given only after they obtain an introductory letter
from the respective embassy.
TAJ MAHAL
Described as the most extravagant monument ever built
for love, it was constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white
marble took 22 years to complete (1630-1652 AD). Ustad
Ahamad Lahori, a Persian Architect, is said to be the
main designer and planner for this magnificent memorial.
On full moon nights, the glory of the Taj is at its best.
Over the centuries, the Taj has attracted more visitors
than perhaps any other Monuments in the country, and it
is all too easy resort to conventional superlatives when
describing it. What makes the Taj Unique is its perfect
proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction
and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and
golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling
white during the day and glowes pearl-like in the moonlight
and during the monsoon. Standing on a high plinth, the
Taj Mahal is visible for miles around and forms a backdrop
to mustard fields and mud-walled villages. It can be seen
from guestrooms at some of Agra`s hotels, as well as from
the landscaped gardens to the west of the complex.
AGRA FORT
Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on
the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar
in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule
of his grandson, Shah Jahan. In Akbar`s time the fort
was principally a military structure, but during Shah
Jaha regin it had partially become Palace. It is an imposing
strcture with walls of red sandstone almost three kilometers
long. Entered through the Amar Singh Gate, the eastern
part of the fort contain palace, audience hall and mosques
built by three emperors. The fort presents a good sampling
of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on
Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic.
By Shah Jahan`s time the style had become so homogenized
that it is impossible to seprate the Hindu and Muslim
strands. The Diwan-i-Am (public audience hall), the beautiful
Diwan-i-Khas (private audience hall) and the magnificent
Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) were also added by Shah Jahan.
SIKANDRA
Six miles north of Agra, is a glorious introduction to
the city of Mughal wonders, Sikandra. The site of Akbar`s
mausoleum, Sikandra was begun by Akbar and completed by
his son Jehangir in 1613 AD. It reflects the fusion of
Hindu and Muslim art and architecture which characterised
the era. The tomb is situated in the centre of a large
garden and four identical red sandstone gates lead to
the tomb complex. The building, with three-storey minarets
at each corner, is built of red sandstone with white marble
polygonal patterns inlaid. Sikandra is named after Sikandra
Lodi, the Delhi ruler who was in power from 1488 to 1517.
CITY PALACE AND THE MUSEUM
situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about
one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend
of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed
Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view
of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public
audience) has intricate decorations and collection of
manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has
a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection
of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower near
Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory
and weapons.
HAWA MAHAL
Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the
most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning
semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging
latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture.
Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and
enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street
below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display
"Jaipur past and present" is the special feature
of this newly setup museum.
JANTAR MANTAR
(Observatory) - built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used
to study the movement of constellations and stars in the
sky. Enormous sun-dial still provide accurate time, which
are subject to daily corrections.
AMBER FORT
Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. Construction
of the fortress-palace started in 1592 by Raja Man Singh,
the Rajput Commander of Akbar`s army. It was later extended
and completed by the Jai Singhs. The fort is a superb
example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on
a hillside and over-looking a lake which reflects its
terraces and ramparts. Riding on elegantly caparisoned
elephants, we approach the palace in the traditional way.
The high gateways allow us to enter on these broad-backed
animals
