Important Monuments of India for UPSC IAS Exam
Important Monuments of India are the favorite area of UPSC to ask questions on. Learn about Important Monuments of India and their interesting facts.
Anil Solonki27 Jun, 2024
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Important Monuments of India : India is rich in history, culture, and architectural wonders. Its heritage includes ancient forts, palaces, iconic temples, structures, and tombs. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is tasked with the conservation and preservation of these monuments, ensuring their protection for future generations.
Facts related to Important Monuments of India form an essential part of competitive examinations, such as the UPSC Civil Services Exam. For the UPSC IAS exam, it is important to have a solid understanding of India's most significant historical monuments. Read on for an overview of the important Monuments of India for UPSC exam .List of Historical Monuments of India
Important monuments in India are not just tourist attractions but are an essential part of the cultural heritage. Knowledge of these historical monuments can be divided into factual information and analytical details. UPSC aspirants must have an understanding of their historical significance, architectural styles, and cultural context. Here is the list of the top 20 Important monuments in India for aspirants:| List of Historical Monuments of India | |||
| Monument | Location | Built By | Year Built |
| Taj Mahal | Agra, Uttar Pradesh | Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan | 1631-1648 |
| Red Fort | Delhi | Shah Jahan | Mid 17th century |
| Qutub Minar | Delhi | Mamluk Dynasty | 1193-1368 |
| Humayun's Tomb | Delhi | Empress Bega Begum | 1565-1570 |
| Fatehpur Sikri | Agra, Uttar Pradesh | Mughal Emperor Akbar | 1571-1585 |
| Ajanta Caves | Aurangabad, Maharashtra | Buddhist monks | 2nd century BCE - 6th century CE |
| Ellora Caves | Aurangabad, Maharashtra | Buddhist, Hindu, Jain monks | 6th-11th centuries |
| Khajuraho Temples | Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh | Chandela Dynasty | 950-1050 |
| Konark Sun Temple | Konark, Odisha | Eastern Ganga Dynasty | 13th century |
| Meenakshi Temple | Madurai, Tamil Nadu | Pandya Dynasty | 7th century |
| Sanchi Stupa | Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh | Maurya Empire | 1st - 3rd century BCE |
| Hampi | Karnataka | Vijayanagar Empire | 14th century |
| Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | Pallava Dynasty | 7th century |
| Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | Rashtrakuta rulers | 5th to 6th centuries |
| Rani ki Vav | Patan, Gujarat | Chalukya Dynasty | 11th century |
| Charminar | Hyderabad, Telangana | Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah | 1591 |
| Qutb Shahi Tombs | Hyderabad, Telangana | Qutb Shahi dynasty | 16th-17th centuries |
| Golconda Fort | Hyderabad, Telangana | Bahmani Sultanate | 13th century |
| Brihadeeswara Temple | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu | Rajaraja Chola I | 11th century |
| Mahabodhi Temple | Bodh Gaya, Bihar | Ashoka | 3rd century BCE |
Top 10 Important Monuments of India
UNESCO has recognized important monuments of India in its World Heritage List. Aspirants must study their historical monuments in detail for the UPSC exam. Here are the top 10 important monuments of India Red Fort (Delhi): This historical site was the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. This fort is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, featuring massive red sandstone walls and stands as a symbol of India's independence. Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh): This monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument is made of white marble and is renowned for its stunning architectural beauty and intricate carvings. Qutub Minar (Delhi) : The construction of this tallest brick minaret was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and later completed by his successors. The complex of minar includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and an iron pillar with ancient inscriptions. Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Maharashtra): These ancient rock-cut cave temples and monasteries are most favorite areas of UPSC for Prelims. These caves host paintings and sculptures and are renowned for their Buddhist architecture. Konark Sun Temple (Odisha) : A 13th-century marvel, this temple is dedicated to the Sun God. It has an impressive chariot-shaped structure with beautifully carved wheels. This site is also famous for its detailed sculptures on its walls. Khajuraho Temples (Madhya Pradesh) : Khajuraho has 10th-century Hindu and Jain temples which are famous for showcasing artistic carvings. Particularly, the Temple of Kandariya is famous for its marvelous architecture. Hampi (Karnataka) : Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, the last great Hindu Kingdom. The group of monuments is unique for hosting Dravidian-style temples like Virupaksha Temple, palaces, and fortifications. Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh): Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar and served as the Mughal Empire's capital for around 15 years. Its red sandstone buildings including the Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid reflect a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pradesh): It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a significant Buddhist monument. Sanchi Stupa was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka and features intricate carvings and gateways depicting the life of Buddha. Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu): This coastal town is home to a group of 7th and 8th-century rock-cut temples and monuments. Founded by Pallava kings, this site includes the famous ‘Five Rathas’, 'Descent of the Ganges', and the ‘Shore Temple’.Important Monuments of India List With Interesting Facts
Do you know interesting facts about important monuments of India? Here is a list of some popular monuments of national importance and their interesting facts:| List of Important Monuments of India with Interesting Facts | |
| Monument | Interesting Facts |
| Taj Mahal | Known as the "Crown of Palaces." |
| Qutub Minar | The tallest brick minaret in the world. |
| Red Fort | Originally known as “Qila-e-Mubarak” |
| India Gate | It is a WWI war memorial dedicated to 82,000 Indian soldiers |
| Humayun's Tomb | The first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent |
| Ajanta Caves | Its Sculptures are carved out of stone using only a hammer and chisel |
| Ellora Caves | A unique combination of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples |
| Gateway of India | Built to commemorate the visit of King George V to India in 1911. |
| Hawa Mahal | The "Palace of Winds," was built for royal women to observe street festivals. |
| Amer Fort | Known for its artistic Hindu-style elements |
| City Palace | Fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture |
| Jaisalmer Fort | One of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. |
| Mysore Palace | Famous for its Dussehra celebrations. |
| Charminar | Built to commemorate the end of a deadly plague. |
| Sanchi Stupa | One of the oldest stone structures in India. |
| Khajuraho Temples | ASI ranked it for best-preserved monuments of antiquity |
| Konark Sun Temple | Known for the sundial, an ancient method ‘pahar’ (3 hours) to tell time |
| Mahabalipuram | Most of the monuments are carved out of one single rock |
| Brihadeeswarar Temple | One of the largest South Indian temples and is made from a single piece of stone |
| Victoria Memorial | A marble building built in memory of Queen Victoria. |
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Mains Subjects | IAS Officer After 12th | Newspaper for UPSC Exam |
| UPSC Mains Syllabus | Pratigya Diwas 2024 | UPSC Prelims |
Important Monuments of India FAQs
What are the 10 famous monuments in India for UPSC?
The top 10 famous monuments in India for UPSC are Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Konark Sun Temple, Khajuraho Temples, Hampi, Fatehpur Sikri, Sanchi Stupa, and Mahabalipuram.
Which is the oldest monument in India?
The Ajanta Caves are one of the oldest monuments in India.
Which famous monument was built by the Mughal Empire?
The Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri are famous monuments built by the Mughal Empire.
How many UNESCO monuments are there in India?
India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Which monument took 22 years to complete?
The Taj Mahal took 22 years to complete, from 1631 to 1653.
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