6 Most Famous Mughal Monuments In India

The Mughals have made a very significant contribution to not just the history but to the Indian architecture as well. When we think of famous Indian monuments, monuments like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Agra Fort are the first ones that come to mind. And rightly so.

Their brilliant architecture, grandeur and stunningly beautiful structures have made these monuments major crowd pullers. Several Mughal monuments were built in India during the almost 300 years that they ruled in India.

# Taj Mahal, Agra

Of course, how can we possibly begin the list without this majestic monument at the top. Believed to be the epitome of eternal love, the Taj Mahal in Agra was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his third wife, Mumtaz. Millions of people every year, not just from India but from all over the world travel to Agra to witness its majestic beauty. It took almost 22 years and 20,000 workers to build this masterpiece.

# Red Fort, Delhi

What served as the main residence for the Mughal Emperors for a long time, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. This monument, too, was built by Shah Jahan. The fort gets its name from the fact that it was made with the use of fine red sandstones. The Hall of Public Audience or ‘Diwan-i-Am’ and the Hall of Private Audience or ‘Diwan-i-Khas’ are two very famous structures within the Red Fort. Today, the Red Fort that is popularly known as the ‘Lal Qila’ is one of the top Mughal monuments in Delhi.

# Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri

This massive structure whose name when translated in English means ‘the door of victory’ was built by the great Emperor Akbar in the year 1601. This monument was built to celebrate his victory over Gujarat. This monument, which is the highest gateway in the world is located in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra.

# Jama Masjid, Delhi

The Jama Masjid in Delhi is yet another example of brilliant Mughal architecture. It is also known as Masjid-e-Jahan Numa. This mosque was built by Emperor Shah Jahan between the years 1650 and 1656. Some 5,000 workers helped build this mosque and today, it is one of the largest mosques in the world.

# Agra Fort, Agra

This is yet another historic monument that displays the splendid architecture of the Mughal era. The Agra Fort was the main residence of the Mughal Emperors until 1638, after which their capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi.

# Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi

The impressive structure of the Humayun’s Tomb leaves all its visitors in sheer awe of its beauty and splendour. It was built in the memory of the second Mughal ruler to ascend the throne, Humayun. This monument was built in the year 1565 and was commissioned by Humayun’s wife. Mirak Mirza Ghiyat from Persia was the architect of this monument. The Humayun’s tomb is built greatly with the use of red sandstone. This monument, among many others built during the Mughal era, was declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Humayun’s tomb is one of the best Mughal monuments in Delhi.