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Humayun's Tomb
The first splendid example of early Mughal architecture , Humayun’s tomb built in beautiful, memorable, Persian style by Humayun’s widow Haji begum over this tomb. The magnificent structure of the Humayun tomb is made of red sandstone, and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden tomb and a precursor to the Taj mahal at agra. It’s proportionate spaces double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of mughal architecture. The Humayun tomb was commenced in 1556 and was completed in 1569. within the spacious gardens of the tomb, Humayun’s wives and several later Mughals are also buried in few other smaller tombs in 1857, the last Mughal emperor Bahadur shah Zafar took refuge here but was captured by British.
Lotus Temple (Bahai house of worship)
A marvel of modern architecture is Bhai temple popularly known as Lotus temple. This, the seventh in the global chain of houses of worship of Bahai’s , one of the of the major attractions for national and international visitors. Lotus temple is a peaceful place for the people of all religion. The lotus flower shaped temple in the white marble tiles, was built in 1987 and is also known as the Taj of modern India. The building soars 40 meters high in the sky, with three sets of nine petals, made of concrete clad with white marble, which gives freshness and transparency to it’s surface. The figure nine is significant because the Bhai faith embodies the nine major faiths in the world. it also has the beautiful landscape with flowering plants and flowers. Around the blooming petals, there are walkways, which surround the nine pools, representing the floating leaves of the lotus. Lotus temple is situated on the hills near Kalkaji temple and it consists of the main prayer hall and the ancillary block which houses the reception center, library and administrative offices.
Qutab Minar
It is an excellent example of Afghan architecture is Qutab minar. This is the most famous land mark of Delhi situated in south-west Delhi. Qutab-u-din Aibak began the construction of this excellent tower in 1200 A.D . Until today it is not sure that he build Qutab minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque, which was completed after 36 years in 1236 by his successor and son-in-law iltutmish. Qutab minar is a five storeyed tower, 73 meter in high and 14.32 meter diameter at base which tapers to mere 2.75 meter at the apex, is supposed to highest stone in India. The first three storeys of the Qutab minar are built of red sandstone and the other two storeys are made of marble and sandstone. Each storey is clearly distinguished from the outside because of it’s projecting balconies. The beautifully proportioned, excqisitely embellished tower has a fluted surface, which enhances the impression of it’s height.in 1368 Firozshah Tughlag added a cupola to it, which collapsed during an earthquake in 1803. The cupola was taken down and placed in the garden at Qutab minar compound. Although lightening and earthquake had damaged the Qutab minar many a time, yet it’s magnificence is fascinating the minds of the people coming from far and wide.
It is also believed that the Qutab minar once was called Prithvi Stambh, as it was the creation of Samrat Prithvi Raj Chauhan ,the last Hindu ruler of India. The inspiration to the creation of the minar for the Chauhan king was to respond the good Wishes of his wife who wanted to have a daily sight of the scared river Yamuna from it’s height.
India Gate
At the eastern end of the Rajpath stands India gate, a world war I memorial . India gate is 42 meter high building was built in the memory of the soldiers who died in first world war. The names of 13,516 soldiers of Indian army are inscribed on the walls of India gate. This grand memorial arch was designed by Sir Lutyens and started to built in 1921 and the work of India gate was completed in 1931. In 1971, an inverted rifle, helmet and an eternal flame was lit here in the center of arch to honour Amar Jawan, the immortal soldiers. Sunset at India gate, when the arch and the fountains are illuminated with colourful lights, is truly an exhilarating experience at this view of floodlit India gate is spectacular. From India gate one can have a view of president house.
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