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Our history discusses great emperors and monarchs building magnificent monuments to commemorate achievements or honour their loved ones. We often hear stories about the great men behind these historical landmarks, but have we ever taken a moment to explore the monuments built by women?
This blog by Gharpedia focuses on the iconic Indian monuments created by women, celebrating their contributions to the making of Bharat.
Remarkable female rulers and queens left a lasting impact through these architectural marvels. Here are 15 such iconic Indian monuments, each with a fascinating story to tell.
15 Iconic Indian Monuments Built by Remarkable Women
1. Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat
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Queen Udayamati built Rani ki Vav in memory of her husband, King Bhima I, an 11th-century monarch of the Solanki Dynasty. Designed as a reservoir, it features a seven-tiered stepwell and an inverted temple with a maze of steps. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and architecture, it stands as one of the iconic Indian monuments built by a queen. Therefore, it is often referred to as the “Queen’s Stepwell,” symbolising a queen’s love in architectural form.
This seven-story structure measures 64 metres in length, 20 metres in width, and 28 metres in depth. It showcases the Maru-Gurjara architectural style. A UNESCO World Heritage Site at present, it was reopened for visitors in 2013.
Surprisingly, the Sabarmati River flooded the monument many years ago, submerging it for years. It remained underwater until archaeological excavations uncovered it in the early 1980s.
2. Roshanara Bagh, Delhi
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Everyone knows the monuments built by Mughal rulers like Akbar and Shah Jahan. But do you know of the significant influence Mughal women had on architecture during their lifetimes?
Roshanara Bagh in Delhi is a prime example of this legacy. On the interior, traces of exquisite lime plaster paintings can still be seen, and at the heart of the pavilion lies Roshanara’s tomb.
It is a Mughal-style garden established by Roshanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s second daughter. It is located in Shakti Nagar, close to the Kamla Nagar Clock Tower. As one of Delhi’s largest gardens, Roshanara Bagh boasts a diverse range of flora, entertaining not just humans but also playing a vital role in sustaining the local ecology. During winter, migratory birds flock to the garden’s lake, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
Also Read: Top 16 Indian Cities with Significant Architectural Background
3. Dakshineswar Kali Mandir – Kolkata
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The Dakshineswar Kali Mandir, also known as the seat of holy female power, Shakti, attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. It is one of Hinduism’s most revered places of worship. Beyond its religious significance, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is also an architectural marvel and one of the largest in India.
Built in the traditional Nava-Ratna (nine spires) style by Rani Rashmoni in Kolkata in 1855, this temple features three stories, with its nine spires adorning the upper two stories. Constructed on a high platform, it is accessible via a grand staircase and stands at a colossal height of almost 100 feet.
The vast courtyard of the 12-spired temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is bordered by 12 smaller shrines. Later, a small temple dedicated to Rani Rashmoni was built near the entrance.
4. Itmad-Ud-Daula, Agra
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Itmad-Ud-Daula’s tomb is famously regarded as the original inspiration for the Taj Mahal and is one of the most captivating monuments in Agra. Imad-Ud-Daula was the title given to Mirza Ghiyath Beg, who died in 1622, and his daughter, Nur Jahan, (wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir) commissioned a marble monument in his honour. The structure’s design resembles a delicate jewel box set amidst a lush green garden.
The marble lattice screens and intricate carvings of Itmad-Ud-Daula’s tomb are considered even more delicate and refined than those of the Taj Mahal. This was the earliest of many grand mausoleums built along the banks of the Yamuna River.
5. Mallikarjuna and Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal, Karnataka
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Following King Vikramaditya II’s successful military victories in major battles, his wife, Queen Loka Mahadevi, commissioned the construction of the Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal and theMallikarjuna Temple. It features a grand entrance and a smaller gate behind it. Built from red sandstone, parts of the temple have been worn away over time, yet the remaining structure remains breathtaking. Visitors can easily lose track of time, captivated by the epic battle stories passionately inscribed on the walls, pillars, and niches.
The Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal has a large quadrangle lined with small cells or shrines. At the entrance stands a Nandimantapa, supported by massive pillars. The roof of the temple’s grand hall is supported by 16 huge square columns grouped in four rows, adding to the architectural magnificence.
6. Mirjan Fort, Kumta
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Mirjan Fort tells a forgotten chapter of Karnataka’s history, narrating the tale of a brave queen, Rani Chennabhairadevi, in a time dominated by male monarchs. She was a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment in a bygone era. A member of the Saluva Dynasty, she ruled for 54 years and was known for bringing prosperity to the region.
The Mirjan Fort has a set of wide laterite stone steps and spans ten acres of land. With its towering ceilings and bastions, the Mirjan fort stands as an architectural marvel. It features four main gates, moats, secret passageways, and canals, serving as a grand testament to India’s rich history of battles.
7. Mahim Causeway, Mumbai
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The famous Lady Jamshetjee Road at Mahim Causeway in Mumbai serves as a reminder of Avabai Jamshetjee and her family’s significant contribution to the city’s infrastructure. Avabai Jamshetjee personally negotiated with the government to fund the construction of the causeway at her own expense. She initially donated ₹ 1,00,000 for the project. When the project’s costs escalated, the community came together to donate an additional ₹57,000, ensuring the causeway’s successful completion. Construction of the Mahim Causeway began in 1841 and was completed in 1845.
8. Lal Darwaza Masjid, Jaunpur
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Lal Darwaza Masjid is located within the palace of Bibi Raji, the Queen of Sultan Mahmood Sharqi, a ruler of the Sharqi Dynasty. Queen Rajya Bibi commissioned the construction of the Lal Darwaza Mosque, also known as the Ruby Gate Mosque, in Jaunpur in 1447 and dedicated it to saint Sayyid Ali Dawood Kutubbudin.
The name Lal Darwaza stems from the mosque’s original entrance gate, which was red. A few years ago, the colour was changed to pink. The mosque is structurally and architecturally distinct from others, featuring only a single central pylon due to its smaller size.
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9. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
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After the death of her husband Humayun, Haji Begum took the initiative to construct his tomb, becoming the first Mughal woman to commission mausoleums, mosques, madrasads, seminaries, bazaars, gardens, and more—making significant contribution to Mughal architecture. The Persian-style dome, set at the centre of a beautifully landscaped charbagh garden, was introduced to India through Humayun’s Tomb.
Each facade is accentuated by a huge iwan—a towering arch that is slightly recessed. This, combined with the other stunning arches and openings, creates a dynamic and intricate sense of depth in the structure.
Believe it or not, it is said that the Taj Mahal drew inspiration from the tomb’s dome.
10. Khayr – al – Manazil Mosque, New Delhi
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Maham Anga, Akbar’s chief wet nurse, conceptualised and constructed the Khayr al-Manazil Masjid in 1561. A powerful figure in the Mughal court, she was the de facto regent of the Mughal Empire from 1560-1562 when Akbar was a teenager. The name Khayr al-Manazil translates to “most auspicious dwelling,” a fitting title for this historic mosque.
It is one of the most iconic Indian monuments, being the first mosque commissioned by a woman and dedicated to women. The architecture of this monument displays early Mughal design, featuring high walls that indicate the mosque was intended as a space for women. Additionally, the mosque appears to have functioned as a madrasa (religious seminary) for school girls, as evidenced by rooms surrounding the courtyard, separated by a screen to distinguish the two purposes.
11. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
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The Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, this shrine stands on the western bank of the sacred river Ganga.
The Kashi Vishwanath temple was originally built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar on the site of earlier temples that were destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture, which is prevalent in northern parts of India. The main temple is a quadrangle, surrounded by smaller shrines dedicated to various gods. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is a symbol of spirituality and a stunning masterpiece of Indian architecture.
12. Mohinishwara Shivalay, Gulmarg
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The Maharani Temple, also famously known as the Rani Temple, is perched atop Gulmarg and once served as the royal temple of the Dogra monarchs. The temple was built by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of the last ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, the former king of Kashmir, whose reign ended in 1916.
The Mohineshwar Shivalaya is built in such a manner that it is visible from all corners of Gulmarg. With an intricate exterior that blends Hindu and Sikh architectural elements, the monument also embodies a distinct Kashmiri style.
13. Fatehpur Mosque, Delhi
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This enormous red sandstone Fatehpur mosque was the city’s second-largest mosque and a strong rival to the Jama Masjid. The Fatehpur mosque was built by Fatehpuri Begum, Shahjahan’s fifth wife. Worshippers and Islamic scholars loyal to Fatehpuri Mosque actively participated in the fight against British authority. The monument was an ode to them, making it one of the iconic Indian monuments that symbolise both architectural grandeur and historical significance.
The Fatehpur Mosque complex includes the mosque’s enclosure, which houses the prayer hall, along with the tombs of Salim Chishti and Nawab Khan. The modest Nayabad Palace, the Stonecutter’s Mosque, and the Rang Mahal are all located on the same plateau.
14. Taj-ul-Masjid, Bhopal
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Nawab Shah Jahan Begum, the first woman ruler of Bhopal, and her daughter, Sultan Jahan Begum, built the Taj-ul-Masjid in Bhopal. The largest mosque in India and one of the largest in Asia, this masjid’s construction began in 1870 and continued until 1901. Its construction faced delays due to a lack of funds.
The interiors and exteriors of Taj-ul-Masjid showcase stunning Mughal architecture, bearing a strong resemblance to Delhi’s Jama Masjid. This mosque features a pink façade as it is made of red sandstone, three white domes, two towering 18-story minarets, a large rectangular walled complex, and a big open courtyard, and the entire complex covers a total area of 24000 square feet. The mosque’s exquisite flooring is made of crystal slabs imported from England, adding to its majestic appearance. Additionally, the mosque houses an Islamic school that imparts teachings on Islamic beliefs and ways of living.
15. Qudsia Bagh, Delhi
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Qudsia Begum, wife of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah Rangeela, constructed Qudsia Bagh. The 18th-century garden complex named after “Qudsia Begum” was originally located on the western banks of the Yamuna. Once spread over 20 acres of land, the garden was laid out in the Persian Charbagh style outside the city walls of Shahjahanabad. The palace’s foundation was set with a grand entryway, waterfalls, fruits, and flowerbeds, and today, only a part of this large garden remains. The Bagh had several entrances built with red sandstones, plastered with limestone.
Apart from its architecture, the garden played a role in the 1857 First War of Independence and was also the site of the last meeting of Bhagat Singh and his comrades.
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Summary
Several iconic Indian monuments and structures were built by women, and these landmarks are celebrated not only for their architectural beauty but also for their socio-cultural significance. While we admire their grandeur, we often overlook the stories that these monuments embody within them.
These monuments are the living testimonies of the distinct design approach and sensibilities of Indian women who wielded power. These monuments are proof that Indian women shattered stereotypes and redefined the way India perceived architecture.
FAQs Related to Iconic Indian Monuments
1. How Many Monuments in India Are Built by Women?
Women have built numerous structures across India. However, to name a few, Rani Ki Vav, Mirjan Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Virupaksha Temple, among others, are iconic monuments built by women.
2. Who Was the First Female Architect in India?
Urmila Eulie Chowdhury was the first female architect in India. According to some historians, she was Asia’s first female architect. In 1947, she earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Sydney. She graduated from the Windsor House School in Kobe, Japan, with a Cambridge School Certificate.
3. Which Is the Most Famous Monument in India?
India is home to some of the world’s most beautiful historical monuments. Famous Indian monuments include the majestic Taj Mahal, the sacred Golden Temple, and the cultural wonder, Hawa Mahal. Many of these monuments are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Also Read: Fascinating Facts On Architecture: 11 Lesser-Known Insights
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Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.