With nearly 1.5 billion residents, some 2 million temples, 300,000 mosques, hundreds of palaces, thousands of languages and dialects, and diverse spices and landscapes, India’s diversity is indeed mind-boggling. India’s numerous historical sites are windows to the country’s eventful past. There is something for everyone on a tour of India’s ancient sites, from the famed Taj Mahal to the lesser-known Hampi ruins. Abouther provides detailed information about numerous historical places in India.
Here are some well-known and lesser-known historical places in India:
Taj Mahal
Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum is one of the most famous historical places and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh and stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna within a vast Mughal-era garden. Construction work on the Taj Mahal started in 1632 AD and got completed in 1648 AD, along with the mosque and the main gateway. The Taj Mahal, among all the Indo-Islamic architecture in India, represents the finest architectural design achieved through perfect harmony and excellent craftsmanship.
The Qutub Minar
This tower was constructed as a grand monument to celebrate the defeat of the last Hindu ruler of Delhi. This 72.5-metre-tall minaret of red sandstone is decorated with intricate carvings and is the highest stone tower in India. The tower gets its name from Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. Aibak could only build the first storey of the tower during his lifetime. His successor, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, added three more levels to the minaret. Firuz Shah Tughlaq built the final level. The Qutub Minar is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural forms and a testament to the two cultures’ historical mutual respect and coexistence.
Bhangarh Fort
One of the lesser-known historical places in India, the history of Bhangarh Fort is fascinating and showcases various unknown facts about India. It is said to be the most haunted place in India. Flanked by the Aravali range on three sides, the structure encloses a fort, temples, cenotaphs, and havelis. Madho Singh founded the town of Bhangarh in 1631 AD. He was the younger brother of the great Mughal general Man Singh of Amber. According to legend, a Tantrik named Guru Balu Nath cursed this city because of his unrequited love for Ratnavati, the kingdom’s queen. Everything in the place is supposedly cursed, except for the temples. The Hanuman temple, Gopinath temple, Naveen temple, and Purohijit ki havelli are also worth a visit. No visitors are allowed in the vicinity after dark. An ASI signboard carries an ominous warning: “Staying after sunset is strictly prohibited in this area.”
Basgo Monastery
Also called Bazgo Gompa, Basgo Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Basgo of Leh district in Ladakh. It was built in 1680 AD by the Namgyal rulers of Ladakh. The monastery sits on a hill amidst an ancient town’s ruins. The monastery is a beautiful example of Ladakhi architecture and is renowned for its Buddha statue and murals. The Chamchung, Chamba Lakhang, and Serzang temples, all devoted to the Maitreya Buddha, are lodged in the complex. Basgo Monastery is a fascinating place to visit, a must-see for anyone interested in Ladakh’s history and culture.
Shettihalli Rosary Church
Located in Karnataka, this beautiful Gothic-style church comprises sandstone and granite. It was built in the 1860s by French missionaries. Sunlight pours into these roofless ruins from the top, and waves splash against the moss-covered walls during the monsoons. No church bells ring here, though, and no stained-glass windows adorn the interior. The location of Shettihalli Rosary Church is still unmapped on Google Maps, and only those prepared to travel the solitary dirt road leading to this often-overlooked site can reach it.
There’s a beauty in the structure’s dilapidation that makes this 19th-century architectural wonder worth a visit. A country with a rich culture and diverse ancient history, historical places in India are countless. Besides the main attractions, such as the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, many lesser-known historical sites are worth visiting. These places offer a unique glimpse into India’s past and are equally fascinating as the more well-known tourist destinations. Know more about these places by visiting the Abouther website.
