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India is one of the most beautiful countries globally, thanks to its outstanding natural beauty and the government’s ongoing efforts to preserve its heritage monuments.
The majority of these historical monuments in India were constructed during the reigns of Rajputana, Dravidian, and Mughal. The excellence of artisans in ancient India can be seen in the monuments in India.
Red Fort (Northern India), Sun Temple Konark (Eastern India), Amber Fort (Western India), Jaisalmer Fort, and ancient temples are some of the well-preserved landmarks in various parts of rich Indian history.
In this article, let’s check some of the historic buildings in India.
Historical Buildings in India to Visit
1. Taj Mahal, Agra City (Uttar Pradesh) – Historical Buildings in India
Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders and most famous historical monuments, is located on the south bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. It was built as a mausoleum for the third wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal, in 1631.
The tomb of Shah Jahan is also located there. Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most famous historical monuments in India, constructed entirely of white marble in the 17th century.
The Taj Mahal, which means “Crown of Palaces” in Persian, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “India’s gem of Muslim art.”
The mausoleum is the focal point of a 17-hectare complex, and it is put out in a rectangle shape with an arch and alcoves on either side.
It is located on traditional grounds with a crenelated wall on three sides and comprises a mosque and a guest house. Taj Mahal is made even more magnificent by the presence of water channels and fountains at the entry.
The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous works of art, was built in 1631 and took 17 years to complete in 1648, but work on other sections of the project continued for another ten years.
It is thought to have been finished in its entirety in 1653, at the cost of roughly 32 million rupees at the time.
White marble from Makrana, Rajasthan, was used in its construction. It was built with the help of 20,000 artisans under the supervision of a board of architects led by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the emperor’s court architect.
2. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur (Rajasthan) – Historical Buildings in India
![HAWA MAHAL "Palace of Wind" - Jaipur ● India 【4K】 Cinematic [2020]](https://icytales.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/jSlrNR2hAqc-hqdefault.jpg)
The Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds,’ is one of the city’s most well-known historical monuments and a significant landmark known for its rich cultural and architectural history.
Located in Rajasthan, India, in the heart of the lovely Pink City of Jaipur (Badi Chaupad). Hawa Mahal (Jaipur) was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty.
Hawa Mahal’s stunning edifice is composed entirely of red and pink sandstone and features a pyramidal construction that resembles a crown. This five-story structure, shaped like Lord Krishna’s crown and adorned with beautiful latticework, has 953 jharokhas.
The City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the always-bustling Siredeori Bazar can all be seen from the top of the palace.
Hawa Mahal comes from its distinctive structure, a mesh of small windows that allowed fresh breezes to enter the palace during the hot summer months, keeping it cool.
Hawa Mahal was built primarily to allow the royal house’s women to see the festivities on the streets while remaining hidden from view outside, as was customary in the area.
3. Gateway of India, Mumbai (Maharashtra) – Historical Buildings in India

At the tip of Apollo Bunder, water’s edge, and the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in Mumbai, the Gateway of India is located, with its majestic arches, stands guard facing the Arabian Sea near Colaba district.
Gateway of India is Mumbai’s one of the most popular tourist destinations and serves as a reminder of the city’s historic colonial history as Bombay.
It is also known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Mumbai’ since it was the first skyscraper to welcome guests arriving by sea.
The seafront of the Gateway of India offers a lovely view and serves as a connecting point for boat trips to and from the famous Elephanta Caves. The ‘Elephanta Festival of Music and Dance,’ held at the Elephanta Caves, is now held in front of the Gateway every year in February and March.
It is frequently confused with the India Gate in Delhi, built to memorialize the approximately 85,000 soldiers of the united Indian Army who died in world war I.
4. India Gate, New Delhi (India’s capital) – Historical Buildings in India

The India Gate is located approximately 2.5 kilometers away from Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, India’s capital city. The great architect Edwin Lutyens designed a 42-meter-high sandstone gate for this memorial in 1921.
In India, a war memorial is dedicated to the British India Army troops who perished between 1914 and 1921 during World War I.
During Bangladesh’s liberation, a structure was built beneath the India Gate that included {a black marble plinth; a reversed rifle; a combat helmet; and four urns that lit the eternal light}. This tower is known as “The Amar Jawan Jyoti,” Or “flame of the immortal soldier.”
In 2019, a National War Memorial was built at India Gate. It was created to honor the heroism and sacrifice of soldiers during the Indo-China War in 1962, the Indo-Pakistan conflicts in 1947, 1965, and 1971, the Kargil battle in 1999, and so on.
5. Qutub Minar, Delhi – Historical Buildings in India

Qutub Minar (Delhi), also popularly known as Qutb Minar or Qutab Minar, is a red sandstone tower that stands 72.5 meters (238 feet) tall on the site of Lal Kot, Delhi’s oldest fortified city, constructed by the Tomar Rajputs.
The Qutb Minar is India’s tallest brick minaret and “victory tower” and one of the country’s most well-known historical monuments.
The construction of this tower began in 1193 under Qutb ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk Dynasty of the Mughal Era in Delhi. It was completed by his successor and son-in-law Iltutmish and Firuz Shah Tughlaq. It is designed in an Indo-Islamic architectural style.
Chandragupta II built the iron pillar of Delhi, which today stands in the QuwwatulIslam mosque in Delhi’s Qutub Complex at Mehrauli.
It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993 and is visible from various parts of the city, a major attraction for thousands of people every day.
6. Sanchi Stupa, (Madhya Pradesh) – Historical Buildings in India

The most prominent Buddhist monuments symbol of Buddhist art and sculpture is The Great Stupa at Sanchi, located in Sanchi Town, Madhya Pradesh, India.
This Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest stone Indian architecture built during the Mauryan dynasty and was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashok(3rd century BCE). Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.
This massive hemispheric dome stands at 54.0 ft and has a central chamber where Lord Buddha’s remains are kept.
In the first century BCE, the addition of four decorative entrances facing four directions and a railing enclosing the Stupa was built.
The Sanchi Stupa attracts hundreds of people from all over the world. It is an excellent indication of the evolution of Buddhist art and magnificent architecture from the third century B.C. to the twelfth century A.D.
7. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata (West Bengal) – Historical Buildings in India

The Queen Victoria Memorial was built between 1906 and 1921 in the middle of Kolkata, West Bengal’s City of Joy. It was a large white marble building.
One of West Bengal’s most famous monuments has been turned into a museum and is now the state’s most famous landmark and busiest tourist attraction.
It is the world’s largest monument to Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and is dedicated to her memory. George Curzon, Viceroy of India, suggested the concept for this memorial’s construction.
This beautiful Victoria memorial reminds the British Rule of dominion over the Indian subcontinent and is an extraordinary Indo-Saracenic devotional architectural jewel.
It is the most popular tourist attraction for first-time visitors to Kolkata’s mega-metropolis.
8. Konark Sun Temple, Orissa – Historical Buildings in India

The Sun Temple at Konark, Orissa, was built in 1255 C.E. It is located in Puri’s northeastern corner (Orissa). The Konark Sun Temple has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This renowned temple is shaped like a large rath or chariot of the Sun God, with twelve pairs of carved stone wheels pulled by seven horses, four on each side (left) and three on the opposite side (right) (right).
The Temple has three deities dedicated to the Sun God so that the first rays of the sun touch the Temple’s main entrance in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Within the temple complex, there is also an archaeological museum. Every year in February, the Konark Dance Festival takes place, during which time the Temple is transformed into a stage that has become one of Odisha’s major tourist attractions.
The Sun Temple, which has stood for over two thousand years, is an excellent example of engineering s well as an artistic marvel.
Although much of the Temple is in ruins, it nonetheless exhibits the artistic skill of the time’s architects and sculptors.
9. Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) – Historical Buildings in India
![Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur | Ancient Hindu Wonder [Tamilnadu Tourism]](https://icytales.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/q3dSNGFMWGA-hqdefault.jpg)
Brihadeshwara temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples in South India. It was built between 1003 and 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola I in the historic city of Thanjavur.
This well-known Shiva temple is devoted to the Hindu god Shiva. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Temple’s building is based on symmetrical geometry principles. The temple complex, constructed of 55,000 tons of stone, is divided into five stories.
Sri vimana is the name of the high tower where the sanctuary is located, and the Nandi Hall is positioned in front of the complex. A community service hall called Mahamandapam and Mukhamandapam is placed between them.
Murals, exquisite carvings, and paintings adorn the walls of these monuments, revealing the talent of the artisans of the period. It is one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular tourist destinations.
10. Mysore Palace, Karnataka – Historical Buildings in India

Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is located in Mysore, Karnataka, on the eastern side of the Chamundi Hills. It is a majestic structure and an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
The Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, often known as “Rajarishi” (saintly king), built the Mysore Palace in 1912. Maharaja Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar, his son and the Wodeyar Dynasty’s last heir, extended it further.
Mysore Palace is known for its vivid Dussehra celebrations and light and sound spectacle. It is the erstwhile palace of Mysore’s royal dynasty. The harmonic blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic influences has a majestic air.
After the Taj Mahal, it is currently the second most stunning historical monument tourists visit.
11. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh – Historical Buildings in India
Khajuraho, The Architectural Masterpiece, is a historic Hindu temple located in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. It is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. These stunning temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Built during the rule of the Rajput Chandella dynasty, between 950 to 1050 AD. The temples are known worldwide for their nagara-style architecture and are adorned with erotic sculptures and sensuous carvings.
The most famous Temple of Khajuraho is Kandariya Mahadeva, built in the reign of King Vidyadhara.
Khajuraho temple is a brilliant example of the finesse of India’s cultural and artistic heritage in the medieval period.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group that belongs to two different religions, Hinduism and Jainism, which depict the erotic forms of love, the carvings on the walls display passion in the most sensual yet aesthetic ways.
12. Golden Temple, Punjab – Historical Buildings in India

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib and one of India’s most spiritual sites, is a Sikhism shrine. Located in the center of Amritsar, it attracts over a thousand pilgrims each day. Maharaja Ranjit Singh reconstructed it in 1830 with pure gold and marble.
The Golden Temple’s spectacular architecture and the community kitchen known as Langar draw many visitors and worshippers every day.
The shrine is located in the main Temple, part of the Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib complex, known to Sikhs as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib.
The Golden Temple is devoid of religious statues. Because Sikh temples do not have priests, anyone can conduct the service. A Muslim saint named Mian Mir lay the foundation stone for the Golden Temple.
The Golden Temple is, without a doubt, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
13. Lotus Temple, Delhi – Historical Buildings in India

In New Delhi (India), Lotus Temple is a tower known as the Bahai House of Worship. Bahai faith believes in all religions. Thus, visitors of any religion are allowed at the Lotus Temple.
The design of this shrine was conceptualized by the Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba. It was finished in 1986; who visited India and was influenced by the beautiful temples in the country.
The Lotus temple builds in the shape of a half-open lotus to bring peace and elegance. Due to the Temple’s intricate design, over 10,000 different sizes of marble were required to construct the entire tower.
It has nine doors shaped like arches that open up to a central hall. Around 2500 persons will be accommodated.
The entire beautiful structure comprises various conical, plain, and cylindrical surfaces. Due to its unique structure, one of the major tourist attractions in the world.
14. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh – Historical Buildings in India

Also known as The Red Fort of Agra, Fort Rouge, or Qila-i-Akbari, Agra Fort is a symbol of Agra built by Emperor Akbar in 1573.
It is the perfect example of the rich history of Mughal art and architecture, one of India’s most famous historical places, and is entirely made up of red sandstone.
Located on the bank of the river Yamuna. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites lies 2.5 kilometers away from the Taj Mahal.
The Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i I Khas, Diwan-i I Aam, Moti Masjid, and Jahangiri Mahal are located within this massive Fort. The Indian Army uses a part of the Agra Fort off-limits to the public.
15. Red Fort, Delhi – Historical Buildings in India

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Red Fort, Delhi is the location. When he chose to move his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638, he began the construction of the Fort on the Yamuna River, which took over 8 years to finish. The tower was previously known as Qila-I-Mubarak, or “Blessed Fort.”
He commissioned the Fort’s construction by the river Yamuna when he decided to shift his capital to Delhi from Agra in 1638; it took over 8 years to complete. Initially, the structure was named Qila-i-Mubarak, which means ‘the Blessed Fort.’
Red sandstone makes up the Fort, which covers 255 acres and is surrounded by 2.5-kilometer-long encircling walls. The Red Fort’s building combines Islamic, Hindi, Timurid, and Persian architectural styles.
Red Fort is now one of the famous monuments in India for tourists. The massive red Fort was added to the UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site list in 2007. Every year on Independence Day, a national flag ceremony is held in the red Fort, during which the Prime Minister of the country hoists the flag and delivers a speech.
16. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad – Historical Buildings in India
One of the most important ancient monuments in India is Golconda Fort. Hussain Sagar Lake is about 9 kilometers away in the western area of Hyderabad. It was first known as Mankal, and it was constructed on a hilltop around 1143 and completed in the 1600s.
The Qutub Shahi kings made Golconda their capital (Qutub Shahi dynasty). The Fort was dubbed “Golla Konda” in Telugu, which translates to “Shepherd’s Hill.”
The Golconda Fort building is a lovely blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Palaces, mosques, and a hilltop pavilion may be found in the inner Fort.
17. Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad – Historical Buildings in India
The Ajanta and Ellora caves are ancient rock-cut caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. The carvings in these rock-cut caverns are some outstanding examples of ancient Indian architecture.
UNESCO declared the Ajanta and Ellora caves as World Heritage Sites in 1983. These caves are embellished with exquisite sculptures and paintings and a better mix of Buddhist caves and Hindu and Jain temples.
The Ajanta Caves are 29 in number and date from the 2nd B.C. to the 6th A.D. The Ellora Caves are 34 in number and were constructed between the 6th and 11th centuries A.D.
Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of historic buildings in India. Exploring history is a unique experience in today’s world. So, get together with your friends or family and travel to India to see these ancient landmarks. Enjoy your time off!
So that’s all we need to keep you up to date. If you have any questions about this topic, please comment below.
Last Updated on by Sathi