General Studies 1
UNESCO Sites in India: Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
Location: Rajasthan Built by: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century, What is it? : It is an astronomical observatory featuring 19 architectural instruments. Purpose Designed for naked-eye astronomical observations. Used to measure time, predict eclipses, track stars, … Continue reading
UNESCO Sites in India: Red Fort Complex (2007)
Location: Delhi Built by: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan Previous Name: Qila-e-Mubarak (Blessed Fort) Architecture Style: Mughal architecture. Material Used for Construction: Red Sandstone Historical Significance Served as the political and ceremonial center of Mughal rule in India. Conducted Red Fort … Continue reading
UNESCO Sites in India: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (2004)
Location: Maharashtra Designed by: Frederick William Stevens in the Architecture Style: Victorian Gothic style, drawing influences from Italian Gothic architecture and combining them with influences from Indian traditional buildings built in the late 19th century. Significance: It symbolised the wealth … Continue reading
UNESCO Sites in India: Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
Location: Gujarat Historical span: Heritage ranging from prehistoric (chalcolithic) times to 16th-century structures. Architectural fusion: Blend of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic styles (e.g., reuse of Hindu motifs in mosques). Important Monuments Jami Masjid: Noted for its elegant minarets, domes, and … Continue reading
UNESCO Sites in India: Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
Location: Vindhyan ranges of Madhya Pradesh. Discovery: The caves of Bhimbetka were discovered in 1957–58 by V. S. Wakankar. Paintings The paintings at Bhimbetka belong to the Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Chalcolithic, early historic, and medieval periods. Major colours used are … Continue reading
UNESCO Sites in India: Mountain Railways of Darjeeling, Kalka Shimla and Nilgiri
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Location: West Bengal (New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling). Length: ~88 km Gauge: Narrow gauge (2 feet or 610 mm) Altitude: From ~100 m (New Jalpaiguri) to ~2,200 m (Darjeeling) History: Built between 1879 and 1881. Nilgiri Mountain … Continue reading
UNESCO Sites in India: Qutb Minar and its Monuments (1993)
Location: Mehrauli, Delhi, India. Built By: Construction was initiated by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1192 CE and completed by his successor, Iltutmish. Significance: A symbol of the Delhi Sultanate’s power and early Indo-Islamic architecture. Material: Red sandstone, with some marble inlays … Continue reading
UNESCO Sites in India: Humayun’s Tomb (1993)
Location: Delhi, India. Built By: Commissioned by Empress Bega Begum (Humayun’s widow) in 1565 CE, completed in 1572 CE. Architect: Designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. Significance: First garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent and a precursor to Mughal … Continue reading
UNESCO Sites in India: Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
Location: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India. Built By: Initially commissioned by Emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. Features It contains images of shalabhanjikas – a lady holding the branch of a tree. Stories from the Jataka tales are … Continue reading
UNESCO Sites in India: Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
Location: Pattadakal, Karnataka, India. Built By: Chalukya dynasty during the 7th to 8th centuries CE. Architectural Style: A unique blend of Dravidian (South Indian) and Nagara (North Indian) temple architecture. Deity: Primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.