Ancient Indian Architecture

Cultural History

Qutb Minar

• Tallest Minaret in India– 237 feet tall– Islamic tower structure

used in the call to Prayer

• Constructed around 1192 CE

The Stupa of Sanchi

• Stupa – Means Heap; Sanchi – City in India

• Most held the ashes of Buddhist Monks

• Some were filled with materials the Monks used

Khajuro Temples (950 – 1150 CE)

• City with several monuments

• Made from sandstone• Statues depicted in

positions normal to everyday life– Including sexuality

• Would have required hundreds of well trained sculptors to complete this project in the given time

The Taj Mahal: 1653• Taj – Crown; Mahal -

Palace• One of the most well-

known pieces of Indian-Islamic architecture

• Built as a memorial tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Emperor Shah Jahan

• Made from white marble• About two million people

each year visit

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