"No other culture on the planet has the variety of weaves that India has."
― Sadhguru, Founder and Head of Isha Foundation
India is one of the most beautiful and auspicious countries in the world which is very rich in culture and heritage. It is also the seventh-largest country by area and the second-most populous country globally. It has people from various cultures, castes, creeds, and religions, and, yet it has thrived as one. India is famous for a saying i.e. “unity in diversity”. Innumerable festivals are celebrated in every part of the country. Everyone comes together as one and shares happiness and togetherness. Indian history is full of the rise and fall of many different kingdoms and empires. Many rulers made various monuments throughout the country. Every monument holds a remarkable resemblance and importance to our Indian society. The famous monuments of India include the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Gateway of India, Charminar, Ajanta Caves, Golden Temple, Hawa Mahal, Red Fort, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid… and the list goes on and on.
The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous and beautiful monuments in the world. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its matchless beauty draws visitors from all parts of the world. The Taj Mahal got the highest ranking among the Seven Wonders of the World (according to 2022). However, there are several factors that have contributed to the Taj Mahal losing some of its glory in recent years. One factor is pollution, which has taken a toll on the appearance of the Taj Mahal. The city of Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located, is one of the most polluted cities in India, and this pollution has caused the white marble of the Taj Mahal to turn yellow and brown. The pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, construction activity, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Red fort is one of those monuments which enhance the grace of Delhi. Red fort was also built by Shah Jahan. The architecture of this building has a splendid impact of red stone and marble works on it. It has delicate carving on every surface. Another monument, the Qutub Minar is also a significant historical monument. The construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibek in the 12th century. But, it was completed by his successor Iltutmish. The Minar rises over 230 feet. The walls of the Minar are intricately carved and inscribed with verses from the holy Quran. In recent years due to neglect and lack of maintenance the bricks and high walls of the fort have broken down to some extent. The Red Fort is an old building and requires ongoing maintenance to keep it in good condition. However, it may not have always received the necessary funding and resources for maintenance, which could have contributed to its decline. Another factor contributing to its decay is the impact of pollution and environmental degradation. The Red Fort is located in a busy and heavily industrialised city, and the pollution and environmental degradation caused by this activity may have had an adverse effect on the condition of the building.
Hyderabad is famous for its charming minarets, the Charminar. The city is often identified with the majestic Charminar which stands at the centre of the old city. It was built by Muhammad Quil Shah. Charminar with its enormous size and majestic splendour has attracted several visitors each year. However, because of overcrowding the monument has experienced severe breaking down and decay. The Charminar is a popular tourist destination and can attract a large number of visitors, which can make it difficult to appreciate the beauty of the building. This can also lead to problems with overcrowding, as there are limited resources and facilities to accommodate all of the visitors.
Monuments remind us of our rich heritage and culture. They are like a treasure for our nation and a symbol of pride for our civilization. They help us to appreciate and understand our past. In a way, they provide life to our past. All the monuments are visited by millions of tourists from across the globe throughout the year. Indian monuments are among the best in the world for their archaeological value, design, and historical significance. Protecting monuments from pollution and overcrowding and maintaining them to the best of our abilities is important for preserving our cultural and historical legacy, supporting local tourism, and protecting the environment.
Bibliography:
Lal Nagar, Shanti. “Protection, Conservation and Preservation of Indian Monuments” Aryan Books International, 1st Nov 2002. English
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