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This month, and particularly this International Women's Day (8th March), is a time to celebrate the most influential and incredible women in our world and all they've done to further women's rights and equality.
Having said that, International Women's Day is not just for the big names, who already get plenty of appreciation from everybody else; but is also proposed for women from all walks of life, who made or are making an impact in the world to make it better. And this article is dedicated to a few of the Avant-garde women architects, who played a prominent role in defining ancient Indian architecture and history.
Have a look at the wonderful works of architecture in India that were built by women.
Humayun's Tomb
Built by Hamida Banu Begum, Humayun's wife, Humayun's Tomb is one of the famous monuments in India. This magnificent mausoleum for Humayun is located in Delhi and was built using a blend of Persian and Indian styles of architecture. Also, this is the place where Hamida was buried after her death.
Virupaksha Temple
The famous Virupaksha Temple is located atPattadakalin Karnataka and was built by Queen Lokamahadevi in 740 AD to commemorate the victory of her husband King Vikramaditya II over the Pallava rulers. The monument was also known as Lokeshwara and Lokapaleswara. It is also the largest temple built in Pattadakal in the 8th century.
Rani ki Vav
Rani ki Vav is one of the beautiful step-wells built in India. Located atPatanin Gujarat, this step-well was built by Udayamati for her husband, King Bhimdev I in 1063. Situated on the banks of river Saraswati, this step-well was later covered in silt from the river. Yet the carvings were found to be in best conditions when it was later excavated by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Rani ki Vav was added to the list of UNESCO sites in 2014.
Lal Darwaza Masjid
Located inJaunpurof Uttar Pradesh, Lal Darwaza Masjid was built in 1447 by Queen Rajye Bibi dedicating to Maulana Sayyid Ali Dawood Kutubbudin, a celebrated saint. The mosque gets its name from the Queen's palace that stood adjacent to the mosque. Lal Darwaza Masjid was built as a private mosque for the Queen. Shahi Bridge and Shahi Qila are amongother attractionsof Jaunpur.
Dakshineswar Kali Mandir
Built-in the 19th century byRani Rashmoni Devi, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is a wondrous temple located in Kolkata.Rani Rashmoni Deviwas known to be one of the prominent personalities in Indian history who is attributed with many charitable and humane projects including the construction of roads, libraries, and ghats. The temple is presumably her most significant legacy that will keep on spurring people generation after generation.
Legend has it that once Rani Rashmoni Devi was about to begin her pilgrimage to Banaras and had a dream of building a Kali temple. Following the dream, she overtook the management of building a temple devoted to Bhavatarini, an aspect of goddess Kali.
Khayr - al - Manazil Mosque
Situated in New Delhi exactly opposite to the Puranaqila (old fort), Khayr - al- Manazil mosque was used as a Madrasa. Also, it boasts beautiful inscriptions and carvings. Maham Anga administrated the construction of this holy mosque in 1561, who also happens to be the guardian of Emperor Akbar the great. Legend has it that she had half ruled the complete Mughal Empire when Akbar was enjoying his childhood in peace.
Mirjan Fort
Located on the western coast of the district Uttara Kannada in Karnataka, Mirjan Fort is a wondrous place known for its Architectural beauty. It was built by the great Queen Chennabhaira Devi of Gersoppa. She was ruling over the vast land that grew the best kinds of Pepper.Enclosed by a double layer of massive walls, this grand fort is decked withtunnels,many secret doors, and watchtowers.
