Delhi Monuments is an ancient city. There are many famous monuments in Delhi which serve as testaments to Delhi's illustrious past.
Though the foundation of contemporary Delhi city was laid by the British, the conquerors from England continued to make Delhi their administrative capital of the Indian subcontinent. Like their forerunners, the British also contributed many famous monuments in Delhi. The greatest and still functional is the evergreen architecture of Edward Lutyens. His seminal work at present is the pilot architecture of the modern city of New Delhi. The grandiose colonial buildings built by the rulers of the medieval period of history can easily be counted as a part of the famous monuments of Delhi.
Other famous monuments in Delhi of the British India are the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House. One of the most famous monuments of Delhi is the eye catching India Gate, the memorial built to remember the Indian soldiers who died in the first World War fighting the enemies of the British Empire.
The list and stories of famous monuments in Delhi also includes the era before British rule. A number of famous monuments in Delhi are the structural testaments to the reign of the Mughals. The remains of the Qutub complex, comprising the famous Qutub Minar and Iron Pillar also lists as a member of the famous monuments at Delhi.
The famous monuments in Delhi include the tombs of the Mughal Emperors like the Humayun's Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb and Lodi's Tomb. These famous monuments at Delhi are the tangible proof of rich Mughal architecture.
Red Fort
This huge red sandstone fort which stands a testimony to the Mughal Empire that flourished in the past in Delhi was built by Shah Jahan. The fort took a decade for the construction and was completed in 1638. The Red Fort is octagonal in shape and has delicate and attractive flower decorations on its walls. Calligraphy also adorns the walls of the fort. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is spread over an area of 254.67 acres. The fort comprises of other architectural structures Diwan-e-Aam, the Moti Masjid, the Hayat Baksh Bagh and the Diwan-e-Khas. The Red fort was constructed when the Emperor decided to shift the base of the empire from Agra and make Delhi as the capital. It was the residence of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years till 1857.
Qutub Minar
The construction of this historical monument was started by Qutubuddin Aibak and stands 73 meters tall. it is the world’s highest minaret that is made from rubbles and masonry. The tower is built of red sandstone. Decorated with delicate carvings, this tower has verses of the Holy Quran inscribed on some portions.
Humayun’s Tomb
This tomb is dedicated to Mughal Emperor Humayun. It was built by Empress Bega Begum who was the first wife of the Mughal Emperor. The tomb was constructed in 1569-70 and was designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. The tomb is the first garden-tomb in our country. It is situated in Nizamuddin East in Delhi. The tomb has been approved as UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1993.
Safdarjung’s Tomb
This tomb is the tomb of Safdarjung and is the last garden tomb in the city. It was constructed by Shuja-Ud-Daula who was the son of Safdarjung. It was built during 1753-54. The mausoleum consists of Madrasa and other small historical buildings like Jangli Mahal, Badshah Pasand, and Moti Mahal. The place also includes a library that is managed by the archeological survey of India. The tomb also includes fountains and ponds that adorn the monument. It has been constructed using the red sandstone and also has a dome which is made up of white marble. The tomb has been crafted on an elevated platform. The entrance to the tomb is from the east side and includes large walkways on the other 3 sides.
Parliament House
Also called as Sansad Bhavan, this building is situated at the end of the Sansad Marg. This iconic structure is located in New Delhi and was the layout was prepared by British architects Herbert Baker and Edwin Lutyens. The Parliament House was inaugurated by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin in the year 1972. This is the building where the Constitution of India was created. It was drafted in the Central Hall which is a vital part of the structure. The building includes Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, and a library hall. The Parliament House also accommodates important officers of both the houses, ministers, Chairmen and Parliamentary Committees. It also has a high-tech museum that is complete with audio and video effects, big interactive computer screens and virtual screens.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Earlier known as the Viceroy’s House, this is the official residence of the President of India. It is situated at the West end of Rajpath in New Delhi, India. It is the biggest residence of a head of the country in the world. The mansion is four-storeyed and has 340 rooms. It is spread across an area of 130 hectares of land. The building also has huge Mughal Gardens, enormous open spaces, residential places of the staff and bodyguards, different offices and utilities as well as stables. The Rashtrapati Bhavan includes several halls and has a Dome on its top.
India Gate
India Gate is located in New Delhi and is one of the most renowned historical monuments of the city. It is actually a war memorial that is dedicated to around 82000 soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War in the period 1914-21. The monument also has other memorial Amar Jawan Jyoti which has been built as a mark of respect for the soldiers who gave their lives during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. The monument was opened for display in1933. The monument is surrounded by green lawns and fountains. The historical monument was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is also known by the name of Masjid-I Jahan-Numa and is among the biggest mosques in India. The Masjid is situated in Old Delhi and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the period 1644-1656. The magnificent structure contains a big courtyard that has a capacity of 25000 worshippers. The place also has other artifacts which also include an old copy of the Holy Quran which has been carved on deer skin. The main hall where prayers are held is decorated with 3 round and flat domes. The entrance to the Jama Masjid is beautified using high arches that cover the mihrab. The mosque also has a pool at the center. The monument is surrounded minarets on its four sides which are of white and red color. The Masjid also has a small shrine dedicated to Prophet Muhammad and includes his artifacts such as sandals, footprints on a marble slab and red hairs from the beard.
Lodi Gardens
This famous ancient park is spread over an area of 90 acres and is a popular destination that is frequently visited by localities and tourists. The park was earlier known as Lady Willingdon Park but was later renamed to its current name owing to the architectural and historical significance. The park contains various monuments such as Tomb of Sikander Lodi, Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, Bara Gumbad, Shisha Gumbad and other architectural buildings of the 15th century. The Lodi Gardens is now a well-protected site and is maintained by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India).
