10 Most Iconic Monuments To Reopen In India After Lockdown

The number of coronavirus disease cases in India reached 6,04,641 on Thursday after 19,148 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours. Four hundred thirty four people died in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll up to 17,834, the Union health ministry data showed.

The culture ministry on Sunday approved the reopening of 820 Archeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monuments that have remained closed since the Centre clamped a national lockdown to tackle the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, Union minister Prahlad Patel said.

The history of India can be traced back over 5,000 years, with several different kingdoms reigning at different periods of time. Each dynasty brought their own unique blend of architectural styles, leaving behind a generous legacy of brilliant artistry. Here are some of the most splendid monuments from across the country that you must see when you visit India.

NOTE- Kindly Follow the safety measures such as Social Distancing, wearing mask and keeping hands santized while visiting the monuments.

* Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is dedicated to the memory of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Even today, this symbol of love continues to leave its beholders completely awestruck – 20,000 people worked on this exquisite white marble monument inlaid with 28 types of precious and semi-precious stones. It attracts around 2 million visitors each year.

* Humayun’s Tomb

Constructed 60 years before the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb was the first of the many imposing mausoleums constructed during the Mughal reign. Humayun’s son and the third Mughal ruler Akbar, had commissioned the construction of the shrine, the likes of which had never been seen before in the Islamic world. The impeccable geometry of the red sandstone and white marble structure is a thing of absolute beauty.

* Red Fort

This red sandstone monument is steeped in history. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan, the Red Fort housed many different kings and nobilities through the course of time. Once said to be decorated with the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, the walls of the Red Fort were gradually stripped of its jewels as the Mughal kings’ wealth and power started crumbling. The importance of the monument, however, has never diminished. Today, it serves as the site for India’s Independence Day celebrations each year.

* Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, which served as emperor Akbar’s capital for 13 years, was the first planned city of the Mughal era. After his meeting with a Sufi saint, who resided in a cavern in Sikri, Akbar was blessed with a son. As a sign of reverence to this saint, the emperor moved his capital from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri. The mosques and palaces inside this ancient city are considered architectural masterpieces.

* Sanchi Stupa

Located on top of a small hill in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh is an ancient Buddhist complex built during the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BC. The great Mauryan king Ashoka, who founded one of the largest empires in ancient India, converted to Buddhism after he was deeply affected by the bloodbath he saw during the Kalinga War. Ashoka sent relics of Buddha all around his kingdom and erected stupas over them. The Great Stupa of Sanchi is the most famous of these religious monuments.

* Mahabodhi Temple complex at Bodh Gaya

Under the Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. It is the first Buddhist temple built by Emperor Ashoka, with subsequent kings adding to the structure. Constructed in 260 BC, it is also one of the oldest brick temples in India and set an exemplary precedent for future architecture in the country.

* India Gate

India’s most famous war memorial pays homage to over 80,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Designed by the celebrated architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, India Gate is often likened to the Arc-de-Triomphe in Paris.

* Qutub Minar

The construction of this stunning 240ft-tall brick minaret was started by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1192, His heir, Iltutmish, added three more storeys, while the fifth and final level was built by Razia Sultana, the first and only female Sultan to rule over Delhi. The Qutub Minar is culturally significant as one of the first Indo-Islamic monuments to be built in the capital city of India.

* Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most eminent Roman Catholic churches in India. Its construction was started in 1594 and completed in 1605. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, who played an influential part in the establishment of Christianity in India, is preserved inside a silver casket in the Basilica. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has long been admired for its Baroque architecture.

* Monuments of Hampi

In its glory days during the early 16th century, Hampi was the wealthiest kingdom in all of India. The stories of its prosperity reached far and wide, and travellers from all over the world flocked to the city. The monuments of Hampi were later demolished by the medieval Sultans of Delhi, but even when in ruins, they are still breathtaking.