India’s Top Archaeological Wonders

To summarise, epic archaeological tales of the civilizations that existed in India before us were one of the few things that kept us historically interested during lectures of the past. The mere mention of the lost cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa caused more straightened backs and fewer drooled-on-tables, and for a brief moment, a terribly boring lecture became informative about something of interest. Beyond the written text being passed down between generational points of view, there’s something more honest about history with clear evidence, such as archaeological findings.

About Kumbhalgarh fort, Rajasthan

Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the world’s largest hilltop forts and one of six spectacular Rajasthan Hill Forts on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The region of Kumbhalgarh was ruled by the Sisodia Rajputs, a Rajput clan. The fort was named after King Rana Kumbha, who built it in the 15th century AD when it became the capital of the Kingdom of Mewar. The Sisodia Rajputs lived in Kumbhalgarh until the capital of Mewar was relocated to the more strategically located city of Udaipur.The fort is constructed in a distinct Hindu Rajput architectural style, with influences from Persian architecture.

The impressive walls are thick enough to allow eight horses to walk abreast on top, and they extend for 36 kilometres around the hilltop, which is about 1,100 metres above sea level, making this the world’s second longest ancient wall – after the Great Wall of China. There are over 360 Jain and Hindu temples within these walls. Not surprisingly, given the size of these walls, the fort remained impregnable, falling only once due to a lack of water when surrounded by Akbar, Raja Mansingh of the Dundhar kingdom in Rajasthan, and the Sultan of Gujarat. There are fantastic, panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli Mountains – India’s oldest mountain range – from its elevated, hilltop location.

Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

The Konark Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, is located in Odisha, India. The temple was built in the mid-13th century by the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of India’s Seven Wonders. The temple is dedicated to the Sun, as the name implies, and is built in the shape of an Indian chariot, with wheels carved beside the temple. The temple was built on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, but the waters have since receded.

The temple is built in the shape of the Sun God’s chariot, with 12 pairs of stone-carved wheels. The temple’s wheels also function as sundials, denoting time based on the position of the Sun. The elaborate carvings clearly show the Kalinga architectural style. The temple was built on the site of an earlier temple that was built around the 7th century AD. The current temple was built by the Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva I to commemorate his victory over Tughral Tughan Khan’s invading army during the Delhi Sultanate.

Sanchi stupa, Madhya pradesh

Sanchi is a Buddhist complex on a hilltop in Sanchi Town, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh, India, known for its Great Stupa. It is 46 kilometres (29 miles) north-east of Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh.Sanchi’s Great Stupa is one of India’s oldest stone structures and an important monument of Indian architecture.In the third century BCE, the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great commissioned it. Its core was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the Buddha’s relics. It was crowned by the ‘chhatra,’ a parasol-like structure representing high rank that was meant to honour and protect the relics.

The stupa’s original construction was overseen by Ashoka, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant from nearby Vidisha. Sanchi was also where she was born and where she and Ashoka married. Four elaborately carved toranas (ornamental gateways) and a balustrade encircling the entire structure were added in the first century BCE. The Mauryan period Sanchi Stupa was built of bricks. The hybrid thrived until the 11th century.

Hidden and Lesser-known Archaeological Sites in India:

• Masrur Temples – Rock-Mountain Cut Temples on the banks of River Beas: Masrur Temples are one of India’s finest ruined temple complexes and the last surviving example of temple mountain-style Hindu architecture. They are believed to have been built around the 8th century and are located in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Valley. These magnificent structures are inspired by thenotheistic frameworks and are a fine example of North-Indian Nagora style architecture. These temples, dedicated to Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu, have been preserved for over 1000 years and have been largely destroyed by earthquakes in the region. 

• Krimchi Temples – The enigmatic shrines in Jammu: It is the oldest structure in the region and is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. These temples are thought to have been built around the 8th century by Raja Kichak of the Mahabharata. This is also reflected in the fact that the temples are referred to as Pandava temples. Due to the lack of scriptures, tracing the temple’s exact history is difficult. The pillars and columns of the temples resemble the Doric style of carvings, reflecting Roman architectural influences in their design. This is a notable example of how earlier trade relations influenced culture. The complex is made up of four large temples and three smaller temples.

Conclusion

Hundreds of archaeological sites and monuments can be found in India, but many are either undiscovered or are little known. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, many hidden and unexplored archaeological wonders dot the Indian subcontinent’s landscape. These intricate structures not only perplex historians and archaeologists, but also reveal much more about ancient India’s history and culture. These magnificent structures have begun to gain prominence and are on their way to becoming UNESCO World Heritage sites.