Chettiar Mansion at Kanadukathan in Chettinad region is a historic home and architectural extravaganza, presently converted into a heritage hotel. This mansion is the living example of the elegance and beauty of the architectural brilliance of the Chettinad populaces in the forgone years.
Karnataka High Court located in Bangalore is also known as Attara Kacheri, literal meaning being eighteen offices. The High Court is situated opposite to the Vidhana Soudha in Cubbon Park. The High Court was instituted in the year 1884 under the Mysore High Court Act. Till the year 1973 it was known as the Mysore High Court.
Attara Kacheri was built under the rule of Tipu Sultan. He constructed it to accommodate the expanded offices of the eighteen departments of Revenue and General Secretariat. The High Court was built in the 19th century and is in a vivid red color.
The attractive white structure, close to Chennai Central, has dimension 252 ft. by 126 ft rectangular shape. This classic structure, presently the headquarters of Chennai Corporation, is a blending of three types of architectural styles - Gothic, Ironic and Corinthian. To support the huge structure, the walls have been erected with stock bricks, composed and plastered in lime mortar. Teak wood pillars support the roofs. The Cuddapah stone flooring has been re-laid with marble in the ground floor. The flooring on the first and second levels is with the pressed terracotta variety.
One of the Seven wonders in the world, a must see place in India, Taj Mahal is situated majestically in Agra. It is acclaimed as one of the three World Heritage Sites in Agra and is the living specimen of romantic love life of Shah Jahan and his favorite beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Located at the bank of majestic River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of architectural design and excellence in finishing. Ustad Isa, the renowned Persian Architect, led the construction.
Sikandra Complex containing Akbar’s tomb is really an architectural marvel in Agra. The Great Mughal emperor began the construction of this complex in 1605, embedding various architectural styles. Jehangir, Akbar’s son, completed the Sikandra Complex after Akbar’s death.
This majestic and imposing tomb is located in the scenic surroundings of a gorgeous garden. Akbar’s tomb is a perfect structure constructed using red sandstones and glossy white marbles. All the four sides are laid with grandeur doorways in multicolored mosaics laid with complex but beautiful patterns.
The tomb of Mariam Zamani, Akbar’s Christian Wife from Goa and King Jehangir's mother, built in red sandstone is placed nearby.
Image Credit:
Built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jehangir, for her father, this 17th century small garden tomb is located on the east bank of the Yamuna River, about 4km upstream from the Taj Mahal. Also described as ‘Baby Taj’ or ‘jewel box’, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s is said to be the first Mughal structure that was entirely built of marble and which made extensive use the pietra dura style of inlay work on marble.
Itimad-ud-daula's Tomb on the bank of River Yamuna was built by the queen Noor Jahan, the queen of Jahangir, for her parents. It is an architectural marvel located in Agra. It is situated at the middle of the well known and scenic Persian Garden. The tomb was superbly designed and elegantly finished in marvelous architectural styles.
South of Agra on the Gwalior Road is the 17th century octagonal structure which is the tomb of Firoz Khan Khwajasara. Firoz Khan Khwajasara was a natural born eunuch and the custodian of Shah Jahan’s harem.
Chini Ka Rauza is a spectacular tomb very close to Taj Mahal in Agra. The tomb is dedicated to the Prime Minister of Mughal dynasty Allama Afzal Khan, the Mullah of Shiraz, during the rule of Shah Jahan.
The name Chini Ka Rauza is derived from most attractive tiles (Chini) used to adorn the ceilings and walls of the structure. The tomb is decorated with different colors, blue, yellow and green tiles adding a spectacular view to it.
This imposing structure is built in a rectangular shape and it is unique with a bulbous tomb. It has an orthogonal chamber in the middle and many inscriptions made with blue glazed tiles are visible in the tomb. This tomb has been a unique specimen of best of Mughal and Persian architectural styles.
Image Credit:
The tomb of Abdullah Khan is noteworthy for its simplicity and elegance. This tomb in glittering white marble stands as a magnificient memoir. Situated in a strategic location, this tomb is constructed by the Sayyid brothers as a memoir of their late father. This marvelous marble structure is erected on an elevated platform that can be ascended through four steps. A plain rectangular construction with four towers and burnished arches, its bends are ornamented the tomb has a stunning appearance.
Pazhassi Raja tomb is a memorial of the Pazhassi Raja who was seen as the lion of Kerala. He had a command over the entire regime. Pazhassi raja organized a guerilla type of warfare against the British in ancient days and he is remembered for his valor. In remembrance of him, the mortal remains rest in the Pazhassi raja tomb. Pazhassi raja tomb is situated in the wayanad district at Mananthavady. He was cremated in 1805 after the warfare against British east India Company.