Maharashtra is one place where you can look for at least one historical monument in every corner. This means there is almost hundred or more monuments in this state. These are not only thousand years old but are also famous globally. Most of the forts that were built or conquered by Maharaja Shivaji are the historical places of this state. This can be his birth place, Raigad, or where he had spent most of his childhood, Lal Mahal, or even Pratapgad,, Lohgad, Murud Janjira, Sindhudurg, Singhad, and a lot more.
The above mentioned places need to be considered as a ‘must-visit’ whenever you plan a trip to Maharashtra. Listed below are a few of the historical places and monuments you can list for your visit.
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The Gateway of India, Mumbai
This list includes Gateway of India as this place is synonymous to a large extent with this state, and so is Mumbai, the capital. This arcade is on the shores of Arabian Sea in Abollo Bunder. Opposite to this you find the famous ‘Taj Mahal Hotel’. Built in the year 1924, the Gateway of India was for commemorating the visit of Queen Mary and George V to India.
This was designed by the famous architect of Britain, George Wittet in the style Indo-Sarcenic. There are 4 turrets and this is around 26 m in height. The intricate lattice work on this structure is attractive. This monument is considered to be one of the strongest monuments in India. This has been built with basalt. The construction costs 21 lakhs, which was a big amount in those days.
This structure was a monument that not only welcomed the British but also served as a spot for ‘goodbye’ for the British. In Maharashtra, this is one of the most famous tourist spots, not only for Indians but also for foreigners.
This spot is full of tourists, photographers and vendors during the day and also at night.
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Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
These are two different entities but are normally mentioned as one, the Ajanta-Ellora. These caves are known to be a marvel, not forgetting that these are also a world heritage site. Besides the carvings and architecture, these caves are well known for their paintings that are present till this day. Buddhist art is depicted by these caves and the paintings here have been important for Indian art. The manner in which the technique and color has been used and the animal and human forms, can be termed as ‘exceptional’. Besides Buddhism, the art here is related to Jainism and Hinduism. These caves are symbols of ‘religious’ tolerance that was present in ancient India. These caves date to 200 BC to the 650 AD.
The travelogues of Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese travelers, have mentioned these caves.
From Aurangabad, these caves are located at a distance of 107 km. These are situated in a ravine considered panoramic. In Ajanta there are 29 caves, depicting art with different paintings, sculptures and also cave carvings. There are viharas of monasteries of Buddhist, and chaityas of Lord Buddha. There are paintings inspired by the Jataka tales and depicting the lives of Buddha and other monks.
This is another place to be listed in your ‘must-visit’ for a breath taking view of the ‘rock-cut’ caves.
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Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad
Bibi-ka-Maqbara in Aurangabad is one more master piece. This was built for the wife of Aurangzeb, Dilras Begum, by her son, Azam Shah. This mausoleum is definitely unique as you find signatures of a Muslim Architect and a Hindu Engineer. The main feature of this monument is the resemblance to the Taj Mahal. This is known as the ‘Taj of Deccan’. The construction of this monument started as a competition to the Taj. This mausoleum stands in a complex of 458m. Another attraction is the garden style charbaugh.
This was built on a square platform with four minarets at a great height. The mausoleum speaks of architectural beauty. The complex also has a mosque. In those times this costs around 6 lakhs.
The Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is considered to be one of the marvels of Maharashtra.
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Sindhudurg Fort, Sindhudurg
The Sindhudurg Fort in Sindhudurg is one fort that points out to the foresight and vision of Emperor Shivaji. Located in the district of Sindhudurg in the Konkan region, this is one among the five sea forts that was built by the Emperor. This was built for security reasons against the possible invaders who used the sea for entering the region. Standing on the Arabian Sea’s shore, the fort was built by Hiraji Indalkar with a unique design and apt construction. Besides keeping a watch for foreign invaders, the fort also watched over the Siddis of the Murus-Janjira. They were considered as ‘main’ enemies of Shivaji. The fort was built using lead, iron and huge stones and has managed to keep its magnificence in present times.
The main entrance could not be noticed from the outside and there was also a watch tower here. There were a number of soldiers and their families residing here at one time. There are 3 water reservoirs filled with portable water for 365 days. A temple that is dedicated to Shiva, along with a temple dedicated to Shivaji and the foot and hand print of the Emperor is present even now.
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Shaniwar Wada, Pune
There are multiple monuments and historical structures present in Pune. Some of these were during Shivaji’s time and others even before that. The only monument that stands as a ‘synonym’ to the heritage of Pune is the Shaniwar Wada. This was built as the residence for the Peshwa, in 1746. There were multiple additions made later. This included the court halls, gates, and a lot more. The Shaniwar Wada used to be a structure of seven storey’s. In 1828 this was burnt down by a fire. The main attractions of the Shaniwar Wada are the gates which were given different names. There is one gate that was named after the second wife of Peshwa Bajirao. The name of this gate is ‘Mastani’.
There is a fountain in the form of ‘lotus’. This has 16 petals. You understand the unique craftsmanship present in those times. At present there is a building that is a ‘protected’ monument. The fort is a famous tourist attraction.
Visiting these monuments and structures can give you a clear understanding of the history of Maharashtra.
