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Every year, the world's most searched encyclopedia, Wikipedia conducts an International photo contest called 'Wiki Loves Monuments'. In the year 2013, India alone had 11,786 entries (all licensed under creative commons) out of which 10 were selected by the jury. These ten were further nominated to the international level. It was declared by the jury that importance would be given to lesser prominent views of the camera.
Here are the winning photos that not only capture the layman's imagination but also inspires an artist in you...
Brihadeeswara Temple
A panoramic shot of the Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu won the first prize for Wiki Loves Monuments at the India level. This Chola temple built in 1010 AD is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo Courtesy: Mugilkmv
Itimad-ud-Daula’s Tomb, Agra
Call it a Baby Taj or the Jewel Box, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula is a beautiful Mughal mausoleum in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The site showcases the early red sandstone buildings of Mughal architecture and the later white marble structures.
Photo Courtesy: Amaninder
Ibrahim Roza
Known to be an inspiration to the great Taj, Ibrahim Roza is the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II situated in Bijapur, Karnataka. This great emperor preached religious tolerance following the footsteps of Akbar.
Photo Courtesy: Aanand
Mehtab Bagh facing Taj Mahal
A layman's eye is overwhelmed by the sight of the Taj, an artist looks beyond the obvious. Here's a glimpse of the Taj through the perfectly laid out Mughal garden, the Mehtab Bagh or the moonlight garden.
Photo Courtesy: g.kaustav
Pushkarni Tank opposite Krishna Temple, Hampi
Early morning rays poetically blend with the ruins of yester years. The Pushkarni tank lies adjacent to the famous car street at Hampi in Karnataka.
Photo Courtesy: Dey.sandip
Jama Masjid, Champaner
Drawn from the Sultanates, the Mughal architecture runs through every inch of the Jama Masjid at Champaner in Gujarat. This picture set in historic India captures the unspoken dreams of Young India.
Photo Courtesy: Hriya
Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
Major Charles Mant was the architect of this extravagant piece of architecture of the Gaekwads in Gujarat. It is four times the size of the Buckingham Palace and by far the largest private space occupied.
Photo Courtesy: Birsa Murmu
Jal Mahal, Jaipur
Water Palace or the Jal Mahal is an 18th CE palace set amidst Man Sagar lake in Jaipur. The Rajput style wooden boats takes visitors to the palace with a view of Aravalli hills and ancient forts.
Photo Courtesy: Sameer6303
Row of Saints
Here's a picture of a series of stupas or chortens, contrasted by the rugged mountains of Ladakh, in the Thiksey Monastery.
Photo Courtesy: Zain Hashmy
Sun Temple
The rectangular tank at the sun temple in Modhera, Gujarat has many shrines that are symmetrically placed. This temple dedicated to Lord Surya was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty.
Photo Courtesy: Prayash Giria
