Architecture of Uttar Pradesh

UNESCO World Heritage Site

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

The architecture of Uttar Pradesh demonstrates a diverse and eclectic combination of Buddhist, Hindu, Indo-Islamic and Indo-European architectural styles. Two of its architectural monuments—the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort as well as the township of Fatehpur Sikri founded by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The architectural structures in Uttar Pradesh include Buddhist Stupas and Viharas, ancient monasteries, townships, forts, palaces, temples, mosques, mausoleums, memorials and other community structures.

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 by the Turks. 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.

Further information: Indo-Islamic architecture

Sultanates

Atala Masjid of Jaunpur shows a lot of influences of Hindu architecture. In fact, there is a clear resemblance of Hindu style of architecture, in the entire Masjid. The reason for such similarity is because the Atala Masjid is situated on the site of a temple of Atala Devi. Hence the Atala Masjid, Jaunpur also gets its name from this Hindu Temple.

Mughal

Further information: Mughal architecture

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.

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. 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. It has also preserved the damaged complex of the Oudh-period British Resident's quarters, which are being restored.

Bara Imambara facade, Lucknow India

British Colonial period

European styles

The Allahabad Public Library built in the Scottish Baronial style, and All Saints Cathedral, Allahabad and Kanpur Memorial Church built in the gothic revival style are examples of European-styled buildings in Uttar Pradesh.

Indo-Saracenic Architecture

Further information: Indo-Saracenic architecture

The Lucknow Charbagh railway station and Kanpur Central railway station were built in the Indo-Saracenic style.

Charbagh Railway Station at Lucknow.

Post-Independence

NOIDA is a planned city and IT hub.

Notable buildings

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  Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Buddhist temple at Sarnath

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  Temple of the Tibetan community in Sarnath

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  Sridigamber Jain temple, Singhpuri, Sarnath, just behind the Dhamekh Stupa

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  Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri.

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  Ganga Mahal Ghat (I) in Varanasi

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  Temple in Barsana, near Mathura, dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna.

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  Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri