Did You Know These Beautiful Monuments Were Made By Women?

India is the land of many monuments. While most of them have been built by legendary kings and princes, there are several beautiful structures that had the touch of a woman. From the majestic Humayun Tomb to the magnificent Rani Ki Vav, these monuments are the perfect example of stately architecture and yet we know little about the women who had them built. Read on to find out.

Humayun’s Tomb

Image Courtesy: www.dfordelhi.in

We have all heard about Humayun Tomb but do you know that this beautiful monument, also known as Humayun Ka Maqbara, dedicated to the Mughal Emperor Humayun was commissioned by his first wife Empress Bega Begum? Popularly known as Haji Begum, she got the tomb in Delhi made by Persian architects 9 years after the death of her husband and dedicated her life to his final resting place.

Rani Ki Vav

Image Courtesy: www.nroer.gov.in

Located in Gujarat’s Patan is Rani Ki Vav, a beautiful structure that’s also featured on our Rs 100 note. But hardly anyone knows that this gorgeous stepwell, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage was built as a memorial for an 11th century Chalukya King named Bhima I by his wife Udaymati. Her name finds a mention in a biographical narrative named Prabandha-Chintaman by the Jain Monk Merunga Suri. Rani Ki Vav has ornate sculptures mostly dedicated to Lord Vishnu built in Maru-Gurjara architectural style.

Don’t Miss This: Beautiful & Bustling Benaras: Why You Would Want To Visit Again & Again

Virupaksha Temple

Image Courtesy: www.blankslatechronicles.com

Karnataka has two Virupaksha Temple but it’s the one located in Pattadakal which was sponsored by Queen Lokmahadevi. Built in 740 CE, it is also known as Shri Lokeshvara Mahasila Prasada. The grand Virupaksha Temple, made in Dravidian architectural style, is part of a temple complex and was built by the queen to celebrate her husband King Vikramaditya 11’s victory in a war with Pallavas. Ellora’s Kailasantha temple is said to be inspired by this temple.

Lal Darwaza Masjid

Image Courtesy: www.wikipedia.org

Mirjan Fort

Built by a woman who was called the pepper queen by the Portuguese, the Mirjan Fort was built near a port from where spice trade used to flourish at one point of time. The woman responsible for its construction was Queen Chennabhairadevi of Gersoppa, a Vijayanagara Empire queen who ruled for 54 years over many parts of Karnataka & Goa and built this fort as a home.

Want to know about more about beautiful places in India such as the best palaces and forts near Delhi or best beaches where you can cool off? Then keep reading Her Zindagi.

Recommended Video