Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal located in Agra (State: Uttar Pradesh) is a mausoleum. The construction of this finest example of Mughal architecture started in 1632 and completed in 1653. It combines the elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles.

This white marble structure stands on a square platform and consists of a symmetrical building with an an arch-shaped doorway topped by a large dome. The multi-chambered structure is an unequal octagon that is approximately 55 meters on each of the four long sides.The marble dome at the top is 35 meters in height and is onion shaped.

The minarets at the four corners are more than 40 meters in height. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower.

One of the entrance gate to the Taj Mahal complex.

Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a symbol of eternal love. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For more visit Watery Wednesday

[Read Posts...]

Radhasoami Memorial, Dayalbagh

Dayalbagh (State: Uttar Pradesh) is at a distance of 15 kms from Agra. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Here, the grand monument Radhasoami memorial is 110 feet high, and is made of pure white marble. The building is under construction for the last 100 years. The architecture is an exquisite mix of temple, gurudwara, vihara and mosque.

The above is the entrance to the memorial.

The stone carvings on colored marble are magnificent. On the inner walls the semi-precious stones in pietra-dura style has been inlaid.

[Read Posts...]

Ganesh Mandir, Jhansi

Inside the Jhansi Fort is the Ganesh Temple used by the royal family for the worship. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

This is a simple temple built in a very small area very close to the gate. In Jhansi (state: Uttar Pradesh) this is one of the most popular temple. The wall behind the temple is the inner walls of the fort. A tour of fort is not complete without a visit to this temple.

[Read Posts...]

Dayalbagh Gardens, Agra

Dayalbagh (State: Uttar Pradesh) is at a distance of 15 kms from Agra. Here in 1861, Shiv Dayal Sahib stared a religious movement known as Radhasoami Satsang Movement, that is an amalgamation of a number of other religions. In his memory his disciples constructed the Dayalbagh Gardens. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

This is actually not a flower garden, but home for a monument with beautiful carvings.

[Read Posts...]

Jhansi Fort -2

The fort of Jhansi popularly known as Jhansi Fort is built on hilltop in 1613. The Fort is an architectural delight for his sheer size and the structure. The fort spread across 15 acres of land is about 312m in length and 225m in width. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

There are 10 gates providing access to this fort. Some of these are Khanderao Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao Gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, Sainyar Gate and Chand gate.

Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, inspired patriotism in heart of all her subjects. This particular cannon in the above image is operated by Moti Bai a dancer in the royal court. While defending the fort from the enemies not only men, even women of the state fought bravely.

For more visit My World Tuesday

[Read Posts...]