Know Your Monument
Know Your Monument News
Know Your Monument: Sanchi Stupa's contribution to Indian architecture
In the tenth edition of this series on Indian monuments by Sahapedia, we look at the stunning Sanchi Stupa, where 50-odd Buddhist monuments from ancient India have been preserved. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989, the Sanchi Stupa is living proof of India's artistic and architectural history.
Know Your Monument: Lotus Temple and the number nine
In the ninth edition of this series on Indian monuments by Sahapedia, we look at one of the most remarkable monuments in New Delhi - the Lotus Temple. While many know about its lotus-like appearance, there are many other aspects to its grandiose design that make it a fascinating monument.
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Know Your Monument: Mysore Palace, a history of freak accidents and multiple rebuilds
The city of Mysuru got its name from the slaying of the mythical demon Mahishasura by Durga’s incarnation, Chamundeshwari Devi. Numerous secret tunnels are said to exist in the palace cellar, leading to Srirangapatnam (Tipu Sultan’s summer palace) and other palaces.
Know Your Monument: Hawa Mahal, more than just a breezy affair
In the seventh edition of this series on Indian monuments by Sahapedia, we look at Jaipur's exquisite Hawa Mahal. The 18th-century Palace of Winds is a rose-tinted example of the Pink City's architectural splendour. However, as popular a visual the lattice window-ed façade may be, there is still much about this 87-feet tall monument that many don't know.
Know Your Monument: The Ajanta Caves
In the sixth edition of this series on Indian monuments by Sahapedia, we look at the rock-cut Ajanta Caves. A chance discovery in 1819 led to the first exposure of the spectacular artistic vision contained in the Ajanta and Ellora Caves (we carried Ellora in the third edition). Built in two phases over more than 500 years, with collective patronage cutting across religions, the Ajanta Caves stand out as the finest example of the arts, architecture, and sculpture of ancient India.
Know Your Monument: The Sun Temple at Konark
The Sun Temple has been “an invaluable link in the history of the diffusion of the cult of Surya”, as UNESCO describes it. The cult originated in Kashmir during the 8th century and spread to Eastern India, and has been mentioned in the Puranas. It personifies the sun as a divine being but as one, true to its scientific origin, that plays a key role around creation, a fact that also connects to the erotic images in the upper storey of the structure.
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Know Your Monument: Humayun’s Tomb, the ‘dormitory of the Mughals’
The tomb was apparently constructed on the orders of Humayun’s wife, Hamida Begum or Hajji Begum in his memory.
Know Your Monument: Rani ki Vav, which is on the new Rs 100 note!
Among the largest stepwells in Gujarat, the sculptural wealth of Rani ki Vav surpasses all others. Built during the 11th century by the Solanki-dynasty Queen Udayamati to commemorate her husband Bhimadeva I, the stepwell is testimony to the exemplary craftsmanship of the time.
Know Your Monument: Ellora Caves
The rock-cut Ajanta and Ellora Caves (often visited together) are not only a popular tourist destination in central India, but are an important part of India’s religious and architectural heritage.
Know Your Monument: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
On any given day, the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation estimates that the terminus is used by approx. 6.4 lakh people. They might stop and glance at CST momentarily, click a selfie with it perhaps, but their engagement with it mostly ends there.
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