India traces its rich history thoroughly across the states in the northern part of the country, reflected through the multitude of monuments where events and incidents of bygone eras continue to echo. Be it the conflation of history and exquisite architecture in the manifestation of the Red Fort, or the epitome of love and one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, the plethora of historical monuments are pride and heritage of North India.
Historical Monuments of Delhi, North India
The National Capital Territory of Delhi has been the site of many historical events and most prominently been the capital of Mughal Empire. The monuments of Delhi reflect some of the most significant memoirs of Indian History.
Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime monument of India. It is the standing embodiment of Mughal Empire"s history and architectural opulence, more specifically of the time of Shah Jahan. The residential majestic fort of Mughal Emperors for 200 years till 1857, it houses a number of structures and palaces inside embellished with exquisite interior. These are the Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khaas, Nahr-i-Behisht, Mumtaz Mahal and Moti Masjid among others.
Humayun"s Tomb is the mausoleum of Mughal emperor Humayun, which was commissioned by his son Akbar in 1569-70 and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Humayun"s chief consort Bega Begum. Another World Heritage Site, it is renowned as India"s first garden-tomb and first to be made in red sandstone on an epic scale.
Qutub Minar in Mehrauli, Delhi is the tallest brick minaret in the world and second highest minar in India after Fateh Burj in Punjab. Initially funded by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and later competed under Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, it was restored by Firoz Shah Tughlaq after being destroyed by lightning.
Historical Monuments of Rajasthan, North India
Rajasthan exudes royalty and gallantry and so do its monuments of grandiose architecture. These historical monuments comprise many fortresses and palaces, ranging from Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal and City Palace in Jaipur to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Junagarh Fort in Bikaner and Lake Palace in Udaipur.
Historical Monuments of Agra, North India
Taj Mahal, the country"s architectural wonder in ivory-white marble, stands on the south bank of Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was commissioned in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The tomb is the central structure of a 17-hectare complex that also encompasses a mosque and a guest house.
Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, the other most prominent historical memorials in Agra, are both associated with Mughal Empire.
Historical Monuments in Himachal Pradesh comprise Lord Elgin`s Memorial, Rang Mahal, Kangra Fort and Padam Palace.