Let's explore some iconic monuments in India built by women. These architectural marvels not only reflect artistic brilliance but also embody the strength, vision, and legacy of the women who commissioned them.
While growing up, we learned about many iconic monuments built by powerful kings and emperors. These majestic structures were often accompanied by captivating stories, like the timeless love behind the Taj Mahal. But did you know that some of India's most iconic structures were actually built by women to honour their husbands? Let's take a look at some of these monuments.
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Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, the first garden-tomb of India, was commissioned by a woman. Yes, the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned by Empress Banu Begum, also known as Haji Begum, in memory of her husband, Mughal Emperor Humayun. The 16th-century tomb is a resting place for the emperor.
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Rani Ki Vav, also known as the 'Queen’s Stepwell,' was built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati, in memory of her husband, King Bhima I of the Chaulukya kingdom. This stunning UNESCO Heritage Site in Patan, Gujarat, is designed as an inverted temple. The stepwell has seven levels of panels depicting gods, goddesses, and other celestial beings.
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The famous Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal, Karnataka, was commissioned by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband Vikramaditya II's victory over the Pallavas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of India's oldest functioning temples.
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Taj-ul-Masajid is a mosque situated in Bhopal. The Taj-ul-Masjid, literally "Crown of Mosques," is the largest mosque in India and, as of 2014, was the ninth largest mosque in the world. It was vision of Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal, who started the construction of the Taj-ul-Masajid in the 19th century. However, the construction extended across generations and was ultimately completed in the 20th century.
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Itimad-ud-Daula, also known as the Baby Taj, is another amazing Indian monument built by a woman. This beautiful tomb, resembling a jewel box, was built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, between the years 1622 and 1628 in Agra. Nur Jahan's son Shah Jahan took inspiration from Itimad-ud-Daula to build the Taj Mahal for his wife, Mumtaz.
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The Dakshineswar Kali Mandir, situated on the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, is a vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in the 19th century. The temple complex features a central structure with nine spires, encircled by several smaller shrines. Its architecture combines the traditional Bengali navaratna (nine-spired) style with elements of Mughal design. As one of Kolkata's most cherished religious sites, it attracts thousands of devotees and tourists annually.
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Mirjan Fort is a hidden gem with a fascinating past. It was commissioned by Queen Chennabhairadevi, also known as the "Pepper Queen" in the16th century. The fort was built to defend the queen's territory against enemy kingdoms and foreign invaders.
