Architecture of Uttar Pradesh

The architecture of Uttar Pradesh demonstrates a diverse and eclectic combination of Buddhist, Hindu, Indo-Islamic, and Indo-European architectural styles. Three of its architectural monuments—the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, as well as the township of Fatehpur Sikri founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar—are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The architectural structures in Uttar Pradesh include ancient Buddhist stūpas and vihāras, ancient Buddhist and Hindu monasteries, townships, forts, palaces, temples, mosques, mausoleums, memorials, and other community structures. Uttar Pradesh's architectural structures also include various Hindu temples, Ghats, etc. largely found in ancient cities like Benares (Varanasi), Brindaban (Vrindavan), Mathura, and Prayagraj (Allahabad).^{[citation needed]}

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Taj Mahal, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh and India.

Ancient

Archaeological site at Sarnath (Dhamek stupa is visible in background)

Buddhist

Most of the ancient buildings and structures at Sarnath were damaged or destroyed. However, amongst the ruins can be distinguished:

The Dhamek Stupa; it is an impressive 128 feet high and 93 feet in diameter.
The Dharmarajika Stupa is one of the few pre-Ashokan stupas remaining, although only the foundations remain.
The Ashoka Pillar erected here, originally surmounted by the "Lion Capital of Asoka" (presently on display at the Sarnath Museum), was broken during Turk invasions but the base still stands at the original location.
The Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses the famous Ashokan lion capital, which miraculously survived its 45-foot drop to the ground (from the top of the Ashokan Pillar), and became the National Emblem of India and national symbol on the Indian flag. The museum also houses a famous and refined Buddha-image of the Buddha in Dharmachakra-posture.

The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh

For Buddhists, Sarnath (or Isipatana) is one of four pilgrimage sites designated by Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumina.

Hindu monuments

Famous temples are the Dashavatara Temple in Deograh, Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and Krishnajanmabhoomi in Mathura.

Dashavatara Temple: Lord Vishnu sleeping on the serpent with the five Pandava warriors and Draupadi beneath.

Indo-Islamic

Main and side pishtaq leading into the iwan of Atala Masjid.

Sultanates

Atala Masjid of Jaunpur shows some influences from Hindu architecture.

Mughal

Rear of Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri.

Uttar Pradesh has three World Heritage Sites: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the nearby Fatehpur Sikri. Allahabad Fort stands on the banks of the Yamuna near the confluence with the river Ganges. It is the largest fort built by Akbar.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal in Agra, built between 1632 and 1643 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is considered to be one of the best examples of Mughal architecture, as well as Indo-Islamic architecture as a whole.^[1]^[4] While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. Buildings under his patronage reached new levels of refinement. It is surrounded by vast gardens on all four sides.

Oudh

Lucknow, the capital of the state, has several beautiful historical monuments such as Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara.^[5]^[6] It has also preserved the damaged complex of the Oudh-period British Resident's quarters, which are being restored.