List of Hidden Indian Monuments
Rani ki Vav
One of these hidden Indian monuments is Rani ki Vav. UNESCO describes the Rani ki Vav as the finest craftsmanship in stepwell construction. It is designed in a way as an inverted temple and is beautifully divided into seven levels, with sculptural panels of unmatched artistic quality.
The Chausath Yogini Temple
Moving south, the Chausath Yogini Temple is a circular temple with a huge outer wall. The circular structure contains 84 sculptures of different Brahmanical Deities, of which 64 sculptures are of Chausath Yogini. The temple was built around the 10th and 11th centuries by King Yuvrajdev I of the Kalachuri dynasty. Perched on a hill, it looks out over the Narmada River and boasts stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
Konark Sun Temple
Situated in the eastern region of Odisha, the Sun Temple at Konark is one of the outstanding examples of temple architecture and art as revealed by its conception, scale and proportion. It is a testimony of the 13th-century Kingdom of Orissa. The temple is a fine example of brilliant architecture and is said to be a masterpiece in both building and execution, the temple represents the chariot of the Sun God, with 12 twelve pairs of wheels drawn by seven horses representing movement to heaven.
Mandu
Venturing into the heart of India, one encounters the lesser-known marvel of Mandu in Madhya Pradesh. The forts and Palaces in Mandu are magnificent. It is an ancient fortified city with historical significance and architectural splendour. The city is famous for forts, palaces mosques, and other architectural wonders. Some of the notable attractions in Mandu include the Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Jami Masjid, and Roopmati’s Pavilion.
The Badami Cave Temples
In the southern state of Karnataka, the Badami Cave Temples are carved into the red sandstone cliffs and look stunning. The temples show the brilliant craftsmanship of the Chalukya dynasty. The caves are a complex of four caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva and have sculptures of Nataraja and Ardhanarishvara. Cave 2 is a Jain temple and Cave 3 and 4 are smaller- have Hindu and Jain temples.
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The Ahom Raja’s Palace
In the northeastern state of Assam, the Ahom Raja’s Palace is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India. It was built during the Ahom dynasty in the 18th century and has a complex of palaces and temples. It reflects the architecture of that time. The mortar for the construction was made with eggs and rice rather than a kind of cement making it unique.
These architectural marvels are some of the fine examples of many hidden architectural gems that dot the landscape of India and add to its charm. While they may not attract many tourists and attention, these lesser-known architectural marvels are a symbol of India’s diverse heritage, waiting to be explored and appreciated.
