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Showing posts from May, 2025

The Indian Museum, Kolkata: A Timeless Treasure Trove of History and Culture

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   Internet  The  Indian Museum, Kolkata: A Timeless Treasure Trove of History and Culture Nestled in the heart of Kolkata, the Indian Museum stands as a beacon of India's rich heritage and cultural diversity. Established in 1814, it holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest multipurpose museum in the Indian subcontinent and the Asia-Pacific region . Wikipedia  🕰️ A Glimpse into History The museum's inception dates back to the efforts of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, with Danish botanist Nathaniel Wallich playing a pivotal role in its foundation. Originally housed in the Asiatic Society's building on Park Street, the museum moved to its current location on Chowringhee Road in 1875 . 🏛️ Architectural Grandeur Designed by architect Walter Granville, the museum's building is a fine example of neoclassical architecture. Its grand facade, towering Corinthian columns, and expansive halls reflect the architectural sensibilities of the 19th century ...

Victoria Memorial Hall: A Timeless Tribute to an Empire

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          Internet  🌟 Victoria Memorial Hall: A Timeless Tribute to an Empire Standing majestically at the heart of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial Hall is more than just a monument; it's a symbol of the city's colonial past and architectural grandeur. Commissioned by Lord Curzon in memory of Queen Victoria after her death in 1901, this iconic structure was envisioned as a tribute to the British Empire's zenith in India.  🏛️ Architectural Marvel Designed by Sir William Emerson, the memorial showcases a blend of British and Mughal architectural styles, often referred to as Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. Constructed from pristine white Makrana marble—the same used for the Taj Mahal—the building features a central dome rising to 56 meters, flanked by four subsidiary domes and octagonal chhatris. Atop the central dome stands the 16-foot-tall bronze statue of the Angel of Victory, holding a bugle and a laurel wreath, symbolizing triumph. ...

Charminar – The Timeless Icon of Hyderabad ( Shoyaib Alam purkait)

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Title: Charminar – The Timeless Icon of Hyderabad Nestled in the heart of Hyderabad, Charminar is not just a monument—it’s a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance. Built in 1591 by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the Charminar (which literally means "Four Minarets") stands as a testimony to the grandeur of Indo-Islamic architecture. Wikipedia  A Glimpse into History Legend has it that Charminar was constructed to commemorate the end of a deadly plague that ravaged Hyderabad. It was also meant to serve as the city’s centerpiece, marking the founding of Hyderabad itself. With its four grand arches facing the cardinal directions, it was designed to be the intersection of the historical trade route. Internet  Architectural Marvel Standing at a height of 56 meters, Charminar is a blend of Persian, Indo-Islamic, and Mughal architectural styles. The structure is made of granite and lime mortar, featuring intricate stuc co decorations Each of its fo...

Qutub Minar: A Symbol of Indo-Islamic Architecture -Shoyaib Alam purkait

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  The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi In Delhi, India, stands the Qutb Minar, one of the tallest minarets—towers from which Muslims are called to prayer—in Asia. It is made largely of red sandstone. Rising 238 feet (72.5 meters), the Qutb Minar is the tallest stone tower in India.  It was built by the first rulers of the Delhi sultanate in the early 1200s. Construction began about 1199 under the ruler Qutb al-Din Aibak and was completed by his successor, Iltutmish—both of the Mamluk dynasty. The Qutb Minar and its surrounding monuments were declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO (a United Nations agency) in 1993. The tower is a landmark of Indian architecture. As a minaret, the Qutb Minar has balconies from which the faithful are called to prayer five times each day. It is attached to the Quwat ul-Islam mosque. An inscription on the Qutb Minar indicates that the tower also served as a victory monument to celebrate the Delhi sultanate’s defeat of a rival ki...

often revolve around its cultural significance, especially in relation to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore (Shoyaib Alam purkait)

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often revolve around its cultural significance, especially in relation to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore Santiniketan Established in rural West Bengal in 1901 by the renowned poet and philos opher Rabindranath Tagore, Santiniketan was a residential school and centre for art based on ancient Indian traditions and a vision of the unity of humanity transcending religious and cultural boundaries.  A ‘world university’ was established at Santiniketan in 1921, recognizing the unity of humanity or “Visva Bharati”. Distinct from the prevailing British colonial architectural orientations of the early 20th century and of European modernism, Santiniketan represents approaches toward a pan-Asian modernity, drawing on ancient, medieval and folk traditions from across the region.   Outstanding Universal Value Brief synthesis Established in rural West Bengal in 1901 by the renowned poet and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore, Santiniketan was a residential school and centre for art...

"Unlocking the Secrets of Hazarduari: The Palace with 1000 Doors"

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        Internet                            Hazarduari Palace, earlier known as the Bara Kothi, is located in the campus of Kila Nizamat in Murshidabad, West Bengal. It is situated near the bank of river Ganga. It was built in the nineteenth century by architect Duncan Macleod, under the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. The foundation stone of the palace was laid on 9 August 1829, and that very day the construction work was started. William Cavendish was the then Governor-General. Now, Hazarduari Palace is the most conspicuous building in Murshidabad. The construction was completed in December 1837. The palace is built in the Italian and Greek styles of architecture and has three storeys. The name of the palace that is Hazarduari means "a palace with a thousand doors". Hazar means "thousand" and Duari means "the one with doors"; thus, the total sums up to "the one with ...

"A timeless symbol of love, carved in white marble — the Taj Mahal stands as a dream in stone. (Shoyaib Alam purkait )

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A timeless symbol of love, carved in white marble — the Taj Mahal stands as a dream in stone. Taj Mahal: The Eternal Symbol of Love   The Taj Mahal, one of the most famous monuments in the world, stands proudly on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is more than just a building — it is a symbol of eternal love and devotion. Wikipedia     Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and took over 20 years to complete. More than 20,000 artisans and workers from all over the empire came together to create this masterpiece. Made of pure white marble, the monument shines differently at different times of the day — pinkish in the morning, sparkling white in the afternoon, and golden at night under the moonlight.    The beauty of the Taj Mahal is not just in its size or design but in the fine details. The walls are decorated with intricate carvings, calli...