With such a great number of archaeological sites dotting the landscape of India, it is not easy task to pinpoint top ten places to visit in the country. Here are 10 of the best medieval archaeological sites in India worth visiting, selected for their historical importance, architectural splendour and archaeological significance.
Hampi, Karnataka
Virupaksha Temple in Hampi | Photo Credit: John Gollings
If
you are in a need to improve your mind in the contemplation of old stones,
Hampi, capital of the powerful Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagara("City of
Victory") on the Tungabhadra River, is well endowed to satisfy to the
grosser appetites. Hampi was the focal point of the golden age of the
Vijayanagara Empire. Any traveler visiting India will be blown away by Hampi
history.
Thought
the city was mercilessly sacked by the marauding armies of the Muslim
Sultanates of Deccan after their coalition defeated the de facto ruler of
Vijayanagara, Ram Raja, in the famous battle of Talikota in 1556, the ruins of
the city remain as a testimony to its past prosperity and the exceptional
talent of the sculptors and artists.
Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
Built in the 13th century, the Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known worldwide for its architectural grandeur, the temple was built by Eastern Ganga ruler Narasimha I. Eastern Ganga dynasty was a kingdom in India, ruling over an area corresponding to present day Odisha, the coastal plain between the Ganga and the Godavari.
The majestic Sun Temple at Konark is a symbol of India. Formerly called the Black Pagoda, this magnificent temple has been designed as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God.
The Great Chola Temples (Tamil Nadu)
This UNESCO collective site includes the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.
The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur was built by Raja Raja I while The Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram was commissioned by his son Rajendra Chola. Airavatesvara Temple was built by Chola emperor Rajaraja II in the 12th century CE. These temples are referred to as the Great Living Chola Temples.
Qutb Complex
Qutb Minar
Located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, Qutb Minar stands within the Qutb complex which is a World Heritage Site. The complex brims with mosques, tombs, gateways and gardens.
Made of red sandstone, Qutb Minar has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top.
Within the enclosure of the Qutb complex you will find ruined monuments and tombs. Ala-ud-din’s sprawling madrasa (Islamic school) and tomb stand in ruins at the rear of the complex.
Quwwat-ul-Islam ("Might of Islam"), one of the oldest mosques in India, is located to the north-east of the Qutab Minar. Built in 1198 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the pillars of the mosque are embellished with Hindu motifs.
Rani ki Vav
Situated in the town of Patan in Gujarat, Rani Ki Vav is an intricately designed step well built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati, wife of Bhima-I of the Chalukya (Solanki) Dynasty. It was during the reign of Bhima I (Bhimadeva) that Muslim invader Mahmud Ghazni overran Gujarat and plundered the great temple of Somanath.
Rani ki Vav was declared a UNESCO's World Heritage Site in 2014.
Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri
About 39 km from the touristy site of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is considered as an architectural marvel of medieval India. Today the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri astonishes visitors and history buffs with its majesty and scope. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the city-palace complex of Fatehpur Sikri is home to tombs, royal palaces and courts.
Built by the greatest Mughal emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was the seat of his government from 1571 to 1585.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort. Photo Credit: Pexels
Located 84 km north of Udaipur, the imposing and awe-inspiring Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan is a World Heritage Site. Built by Mewar Rajput ruler and statesman Rana Kumbha (reigned 1433 to 1468 CE), Kumbhalgarh Fort is nestled in the rugged Aravalli Hills. Rana Kumbha was a great patron of learning and was himself an erudite scholar.
Kumbhalgarh Fort also comes lauded as the birthplace of Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Khajuraho Temple / Image Credit- Unsplash
During the 10th and 11th century AD the territory of Jejakabhukti or modern Bundelkhand region was ruled by the Rajput rulers of the Chandella dynasty under whom a great school of architecture flourished. The finest specimen of this architecture is a group of temples at Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The Khajuraho temples have been declared World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Ramappa Temple, Telangana
Telangana's 13th-century Rudreswara temple, more famously known as Ramappa Temple, is a World Heritage Site.
Named after its architect Ramappa who worked on the project for 40 years, Ramappa Temple is a glowing specimen of the exquisite architecture patronized by Kakatiya kings who ruled over an area corresponding to the modern day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, eastern Karnataka and parts of southern Odisha from the late 12th to early 14th centuries AD.
Built in 1213 AD during the reign of the greatest Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva (ruled 1199–1262) by his general Recharla Rudra, the Ramappa Temple is located in a valley at the village of Palampet, approximately 77 km away from Warangal and 200km north-east of Hyderabad.
Amber Fort, Rajasthan
Amber Fort Jaipur
A fine specimen of the Rajput architecture, the Amber (pronounced Amer) Fort -Palace is a classical example of romantic forts for which Rajasthan is famous all over the world.
The Amber Fort in Jaipur is one of the six hill forts of Rajasthan which have been recognised as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Amber was the capital of the Kachhwaha rulers till 1727 A.D when Jaipur was made capital in place of Amber by Sawai Jai Singh II, who founded the Jaipur city.
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