Historical Places in India

Historical Places in India

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai

    Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is the central railway station serving Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture, the railway station was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The station is one of the most famous historic landmarks symbolizing the pre-independent British Raj in India.

2. Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan

    Chittorgarh Fort is considered the symbol of Rajput chivalry, resistance, and bravery. The fort is situated 175 kilometers to the east of Udaipur and is accepted to be named after the person who built it, Chitrangada Mori. The famous Chittorgarh fort, which is one of the largest in India, is situated on a 180-meter high hill that rises from the banks of river Berach. The fort is known for its seven gates namely Padan Gate, Ganesh Gate, Hanuman Gate, Bhairon Gate, Jodla Gate, Lakshman Gate, and the main gate which is named after Lord Ram.

    The Chittorgarh fort houses many palaces, like the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Tower of Victory, and Rani Padmini's Palace. All these structures are significant for their Rajput architectural features.

    There are also many temples within the fort. A large complex of lain temples is a major attraction. Along with other forts and Chittorgarh Fort of Rajasthan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

3. Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu

    The trio of three great Chola temples - Brihadeshwara Temple at Tanjore, Airavateshwara Temple in Darasuram, and Brihadeeswarar Temple in Gangaikondacholapuram - were built by the kings of the Chola dynasty which was one of the greatest kingdoms of South India. The ones at Tanjore and Cholapuram were built in the 11th century while the one at Darasuram was built in the 12th century.

4. Dhauli, Odisha

    Dhauli, a town located 8 km away from the city of Bhubaneswar, is said to be the site of the Kalinga War. Kalinga War fought in 262 B.C, is claimed to be one of the most violent wars in Indian history. The battle was fought between the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and Kalinga, which was then commanded by a feudal lord. Ashoka won the battle at the cost of hundreds of lives, and this was the turning point in his life, as well as, in Indian History. He adopted Buddhism and swore to never physically harm anyone.

    The Peace Pagoda built by the Kalinga Nippon Budha Sangha in 1973 and known as Shanti Stupa
commemorates the change of heart of the Emperor. Ashoka had a special weakness for Dhauli, where the battle was fought. The Daya River is said to have turned red with the blood of the many deceased after the battle and enabled Ashoka to realize the magnitude of horror associated with war. He saw to it that Dhauli became an important center of Buddhist activities. He built several chaityas stupas and pillars there. He got abodes excavated for the recluse, instructions inscribed for officials, expounded the main principles of dandaniti for the public, provided special status to his new kingdom including the stupas at Dhauli.

    There are two temples at Dhauli. One of Vairangeswar Mahadev and Dhabaleswar Mahadev. The proclamations of Emperor Ashoka are recorded in Prakrit language in Brahmi script on the rock of Dhauli on the Southeast end.

5. Elephanta Caves, Mumbai

    This historic world of rock-cut caves boasting a legion of Shaivite sculptures is tucked away in a desolate island locally called Gharapuri, 10 kilometers east of Mumbai Numismatic evidence, architectural style, and inscriptions have traced the cave temples to the middle of the 6th-century. Once home to elaborately painted artworks, the Elephanta Caves that exist today are in ruins and consist of two groups of alcoves on the site.

    The fest is a large cluster of five Hindu caves and the second one is a smaller section of two Buddhist caves in addition to being an important heritage site the Elephanta Caves are also an unlikely trekking destination, and the views that one is gifted with at the end of the trek are sublime Elephanta Caves have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.