Humayun’s
Tomb was built in the 15th century for Mughal emperor Humayun, son
Babur, founder of the Mughal dynasty, and father of Akbar, the greatest Mughal
emperor of India. It is the first great example of Mughal architecture and is a
UNESCO world heritage site.
The
Lotus Temple is one of seven Bahá’í Houses of Worship in the world. The Bahá’í
Faith believes in the Oneness of God, Religion, and Mankind. Bahá’ís believe
God reveals himself periodically to different divine messengers in an effort to
transform the morals and spirituality of mankind. The lotus shape is a
universal symbol recognized by Indian religions.
The
iconic Taj Mahal took 20 years to build, employed over 20,000 artisans and 1,000
elephants to transport materials. It cost an adjusted $827 million to build. It
is inspired by Humayun’s Tomb, built 100 years earlier. It is a UNESCO world
heritage site and a wonder of the world.
Calligraphy
on the Taj Mahal consists of inscriptions of the holy book of Quran. Architects
also included optical illusions built into the side of the structure. The Taj Mahal
is built entirely of ivory white marble. Artisans used one large piece for each
section, starting over if a mistake was made.
The
Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Breeze,” was built at the end of the 18th
century by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of the founder of Jaipur. It
is constructed of red and pink sandstone, keeping the theme of the Pink City. It
was built in the shape of the crown of Krishna and has 953 windows in which
royal Rajput women could view happenings outside without being in public against
Purdah rule.
Amber
or Amer Fort was built over a period of two centuries by Rajput Maharajas. It
is built over a sprawling hill overlooking a lake. It was the seat of Rajput Maharajas
until they moved it to Jaipur in 1727. The town of Amer was built by the Meenas, predecessors of the Rajputs. After a violent coup, the Rajput Maharajas came into power.
A
Sikh Gurdwara in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Sikhism originated in Punjab in the 15th
century by Guru Nanak Ji. Different from both Hindu and Islam, Sikhs believe in
one Creator who is free of gender and the equality of men and women. Sikhism rejects
caste, class systems, gender, race and emphasizes humanitarian service. Sikh
men (and sometimes women, if they choose) cover their uncut hair with turbans. To
free Sikhs from a rigid name-based caste system, Guru Gobind Singh ordered all
Sikh males to adopt the name “Singh” and females “Kaur.”
