Architecture of Uttar Pradesh

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

The Architecture of Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its variety of various religious monuments.

Buddhist era

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

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.

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

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

Famous temples are Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and Krishnajanmabhoomi in Mathura.

Islamic

Sultanates

Main pishtaq leading into the iwan of Atala Masjid

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.^[1] Hence the Atala Masjid, Jaunpur also gets its name from this Hindu Temple.

Mughal

Buland Darwaza, the 54 mt. high entrance to Fatehpur Sikri complex

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.

Oudh

Bara Imambara facade, Lucknow India

Lucknow, the capital of the state, has several beautiful historical monuments such as Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara.^[2][3] It has also preserved the damaged complex of the Oudh-period British Resident's quarters, which are being restored.

Modern

NOIDA is a planned city and IT hub

Notable buildings

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  Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Buddhist temple at Sarnath

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  Ancient Buddhist monasteries near Dhamekh Stupa Monument Site, 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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  Details of the central pishtaq and side pishtaq, Atala Masjid

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  Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri.

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  Ganga Mahal Ghat (I) in Varanasi

References

1. Advanced history of medieval India By S.R. Bakshi
2. "List of Monuments - Uttar Pradesh". Archaeological Survey of India. Jul 8, 2012.
3. "The historical monument called Bara Imambara of Lucknow that is also known as Asfi Imambara". Lucknow online news. Retrieved Jul 8, 2012.