The commencement of Mughal Era in India brought about a lot of changes in the overall mien of the country, the examples of which are present even today in the form of majestic monuments, forts, palaces, and tombs.
The Indo-Islamic architecture left its mark forever in the country. These beautiful structures, to date, act as crowd pullers. Thousands of tourists visit India just to behold the grandiosity and splendour of these creations. You have to see these to believe how beautiful and captivating these specimen of sheer artistic finesse are. The rich Mughal architecture is the perfect mixture of Persian, Turkish, Islamic and Indian architecture; this mixture has created wonders and never fails to amaze the visitors.
Mughal Era in India started in 1526 when Babur, the great Mughal ruler defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the famous Battle of Panipat. Mughals took pleasure in creating wonderful buildings, tombs, forts, etc and that's how beautiful monuments came up in different parts of India.
Let us now look at the different Mughal monuments in India that are famous worldwide.
The Taj Mahal
This is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The imposing marble structure was erected in loving memory of Shah Jahan's lovely wife Mumtaz. This mausoleum stands tall along the southern bank of River Yumana. This UNESCO World Heritage site is frequented by thousands of visitors every year. This monument is embellished with semi-precious stones which make The Taj Mahal dazzle always. The different shades of The Taj Mahal, from time immemorial, have been a muse to invoke creativity and inspire poets, artists who have created masterpieces on The Taj Mahal. "The Taj Mahal rises above the banks of the river like a solitary tear suspended on the cheek of time."- Rabindranath Tagore.
This monument justifies the Golden period of Mughal rule in India. You can opt for Golden Triangle Tour that will take you through the beautiful parts of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
2. Jama Masjid
This beautiful mosque is situated in Delhi and is considered to be one of India's gems. The mosque was built during the reign of Shah Jahan. This charming structure will take you back in time and you will be able to re-live the history. This huge mosque was built somewhere between 1650 to 1656. This is one of the best places to visit in India. Do you know at least 25,000 people can kneel and pray in the vast precinct of Jama Masjid? Yes, While in India you must visit this place to get enthralled by the Mughal architectural style. Shah Jahan in his lifetime indulges in art and architecture a lot and that is quite evident from what we get to see today. Jama Masjid is one of the last structures constructed under the reign of Shah Jahan, the lover of art and architecture.
3. Agra Fort
Are you still confused about where to spend quality time during the vacation? You do not have to worry at all... Look forward towards having a great time in Agra. Apart from the Taj Mahal, you can go on a sightseeing spree because Agra is a town where you will find a great many imposing Mughal structures like the new look of Agra Fort was created during the reign of Akbar, the great Mughal emperor. Till 1638 all the great Mughal emperors lived in this fort. This too is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The walls of this massive building are made of red sandstone. This is one of the best places to see in India as you will get to behold the resplendence of many palaces and grand halls within the fort which is steeped in history. History is written all over the fort, take pleasure in learning about the rich heritage of the fort.
4. Fatehpur Sikri
Let's go back to Agra again, Fatehpur Sikri is a small town in Agra which was established by Emperor Akbar. Once it was the capital of Mughal Empire hence you will get to enjoy the Mughal art and architecture in this city to the core. Fatehpur Sikri means the 'city of victory'. There is a beautiful lake which provides a great panoramic view of the fourth border of the city. Furthermore, the architectural style of this city is based on Timurid forms and styles. Fatehpur Sikri can be regarded as one of the best attractions in the country where you get an elaborate idea of Mughal art, architecture, and culture. While in Fatehpur Sikri you will come across another amazing attraction which is called the Buland Darwaza. This door is 55m high and is robust like a giant. It was built to mark his victory over Gujarat. There are other attractions in this ecstatic city where everything is so old that you will feel like you've been transported into the Mughal period itself. Some of the other attractions are - Tomb of Salim Chisti, Jodhabai palace, Jama masjid Fatehpur Sikri, Panch Mahal, etc.
5. Humayun's tomb
Another beautiful and coveted tourist attraction in Delhi is Humayun's tomb. Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son Sayyid Muhammad designed this tomb; they were well-known Persian craftsmen who were specially chosen by Humayun's chief consort, Empress Bega Begum. Well, the interesting fact about this tomb is that for the first time in the Indian subcontinent, a garden tomb this beautiful was built which has earned recognition in the whole world. This beautiful tomb is just like a detailed tapestry, spread against the backdrop of clear sky. For more travel tips you can check out the well known and best travel apps.
6. Red Fort
Red fort or Laal Quila has been standing the test of time since time immemorial. This was erected during the reign of the famous Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan who has a special interest in art and architecture. The grand monuments dotted along the banks of River Yamuna are many, and this fort, too, is one of those enchanting structures that will have you hooked. This fort showcases the brilliance of Mughal architecture and creativity in the truest sense of the term. This fort is certainly the acme of Mughal architecture and innovation. Today the importance of the fort lies in the fact that every year on 15 th August a flag hoisting session is organised in this fort where the Honourable Prime Minister of India hoists the Flag and delivers a heart-touching, patriotic speech, which makes every Indian feel proud. India tour is not complete until and unless you visit this enormous fort and cherish its beauty.
7. Safdarjung's Tomb
This mausoleum adorns the intersection of Safdarjung Road and Aurobindo Marg in New Delhi. The architectural style of this garden tomb is the classic example of Mughal Empire style. This enticing tomb was built with marble and sandstone to commemorate the death of Safdurjang. This is a famous tourist spot in Delhi which attracts foreign and national crowd alike. Originally a Persian, Safdarjung was the ruler of Awadh province during the 1700s. During his reign, he earned a lot of fame and respect which is why later this tomb was built to keep the memories of the statesman alive. Explore the prodigious history of his tomb and enjoy the best of India tour.
8. Bibi ka Maqbara
This is a must-go-to place while in India. This impressive tomb is situated in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Aurangzeb loved his first wife, Dilras Banu Begum, very much and in her loving memories, this beautiful tomb was erected. He was loyal to his wife throughout and this Maqbara depicts his unconditional love for his beloved wife, this tomb is a symbol of his love. Although, it is noteworthy that this tomb has strong resemblance with The Taj Mahal which is why it is often called the Dakkhani Taj which means the Taj Mahal of the Deccan. You can visit one more elegant structure which was built during the reign of Aurangzeb, The Pearl Mosque in Delhi. Now you can get lightning deals on tailor-made holidays.
9. Akbar's tomb
The tomb for Akbar the great is truly amazing and beautiful. The interesting fact is the location and the planning was done by Akbar himself. The tomb was once full of gold and silver jewellery, precious stones, silver carpets, etc. but later on it was plundered by the Jats. Later on, the tomb was restored during Lord Curzon's time. If you want to visit Akbar's tomb then worry not...go to the suburbs of Agra, to Sikandra, you will find this imposing tomb there. Explore the awe-inspiring secrets of incredible India.
10. Shalimar Bagh
Have you ever been toa Mughal garden before? If not then get ready to witness the heavenly beauty of this garden located in Srinagar. More precisely move towards North-east of Dal Lake and enter the Shalimar Baagh which was built by the great Mughal Emperor, Jahangir. Again, this garden too is the symbol of unconditional love and dedication. Jahangir erected this beautiful garden just for his wife, Nur Jahan. The pinnacle of Mughal horticulture is showcased in this garden very well. Get the best travel deals in India and explore and know about the country's rich cultural heritage and historical aspects.