Haryana’s culture is rich with numerous monuments that remain an important part of the state’s history. The monuments of Haryana are renowned for their architectural splendour. They are part of a variety of Dynasties that once were included in a vast historical heritage. These include the graves of prominent rulers, palaces constructed by the emperors of awe and forts that were constructed to protect themselves from attacks. The scale and design of these tourist spots differ from one another in a variety of ways.
The past of Haryana is filled with the rich history of dynasties who ruled the country during various eras. With a variety of myths epic tales, and monuments were erected to commemorate their lives. In addition, the statesmen put the foundations of these structures in order to honour their victories during battle or to establish the marks of their superiority over others. Since the state is awash with different religious traditions, monuments such as palaces, towers, gates and tombs associated with these religions were built at times.
Explore Historical Monuments in Haryana
The most famous historical monuments that are located in Haryana comprise Jal Mahal, the Tomb of Quli Khan, Chatta Rai Mukund among others. These places are worth visiting for tourists.
1) Ibrahim Lodhi Tomb
Ibrahim Lodhi, who ruled during the 16th century was an emperor of great stature who was defeated by Zahīr ud-Dīn Babar who was the Mughal ruler. Following his death, a mausoleum was constructed by Sher Shah Suri, and the king’s tomb was within it. The Ibrahim Lodhi’s Tomb is a tribute to the brave ruler who was a very brave fighter in his battle with the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
The tomb is one of the most well-known monuments in Haryana and is well worth visiting by visitors. It is constructed in the shape of a rectangle block the tomb sits upon an elevated platform. This structure is attained via a set of steps constructed using bricks made of lakhori. This tomb stands as a memorial to the war that was fought for centuries in the past. The stunning simplicity of the area is accentuated by the appearance of embellished arches and carved pillars.
The vibrant colours give an important meaning to the architectural layout of Ibrahim Lodhi’s grave. The stones that form the basis of their beautiful location come in various colours, such as white, grey, red and so on. The British rulers restored this tomb to revive its glory of old.
Ibrahim Lodhi’s Tomb is among those tourist attractions in Haryana that are visited by many people. It is a place of huge significance for religion and is particularly important to Muslim pilgrims. The Department of tourism has taken a number of steps to improve the site. Guides are hired and are able to provide historical information about the area.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
There are a number of mosques and forts that can be found within the vicinity of the tomb. Kabuli Mosque, which was constructed to commemorate the Mughal Emperor Zahīr ud-Dīn Babar, is situated at a distance of around 2 km from Panipat. There are many Jain shrines also located there that are worth a visit.
2) Feroz Shah Palace
Feroz Shah Palace, the historical landmark of Hisar district, was built to be a monument by Tughlaq, the Emperor Feroz Shah. The structure is made of rubble masonry, which is covered in thick lime plaster. The magnificent location is adorned with a variety of pilasters made of sandstone and cut. These pillars originate from Hindu temples and are a support structure to support the archways.
Attractions of Feroz Shah Palace
The palace complex features an enormous courtyard that is surrounded by two or three-story buildings. Feroze Shah Palace features a vast wall that runs in the western direction and a passageway that takes guests from the steps to the terrace. There are numerous bastions on this path. Other impressive structures included in this area have a pillared hall intended for connection to rooms and a variety of cells. The eastern section of the palace is adorned with red Sandstone structures. The terraces are decorated with a fountain known as the lotus tank. Arches feature decorative designs on them. The plaster has worn away in the majority of places.
The structure that is Feroze Shah Palace looks breathtaking. It is worth a visit for those who love history.
3) Sheikh Chilli Tomb
Discover the captivating Sheikh Chilli Tomb in Thanesar, Haryana, dating back to the Suri Dynasty. It is designed octagonal; this Sheikh Chilli Tomb has many marble arches. The windows are decorated with screens of tracery. The central section of the mausoleum houses the burial place of Chilli. It is situated on a terrace, and the mausoleum has nine openings which are constructed with an arch. The structure is the place to store the antiques that were taken through Thanesar and the surrounding regions.
4) Badli Sarai
Just a few kilometres from Delhi, Badli Sarai is an ancient structure that dates back to the Mughal time. Built during the second Mughal time, the landmark is located on the highway that connects Delhi and Karnal. The majority of Sarai as well as certain rooms that were arcaded, have been demolished over the years. The only thing that has remained is two gateways. In the past, the famed Grand Trunk Road was used to connect these gateways.
Badli Sarai was the battleground of a battle that erupted on the 8th of June, 1857. The battle fought took place between Gordon as well as the rebels.
Another stunning structure that forms an integral part of Badli Sarai is a vast stone column that is 500 metres to the north. It was constructed as a tribute to the Gordon Highlanders, a British infantry regiment formed in 1881. It was actually formed through the amalgamation of several units. The unit was active across India, Egypt, and South Africa. Sarai was the site of a battle in the war that erupted on the 8th of June, 1857. The battle was fought between Gordon with the Rebels and was won by the rebels.
Another place of interest close to Badli Sarai is Maqbara Paik which is an octagonal tomb with arched recesses that completely cover it. The only open spaces visible are in cardinal directions.
5) Shah Ibrahim Tomb
Shah Ibrahim Tomb was built by the renowned Sher Shah Suri in remembrance of the services provided by his grandfather Ibrahim Khan. Ibrahim was an official at the court of the Lodhi rulers. The monument was built under the direction of Sheikh Ahmed. The monument is renowned for its beauty and architectural splendour.
Sher Shah constructed the tomb between 1538-1545 AD. When his grandfather breathed his final breath in Narnaul in 1538, the Shah Ibrahim Tomb was erected in this location. The most notable aspects of the tomb include ceilings painted with paint, arches of awe, and cupolas. Traceries, or buildings designed to provide support for glass windows, decorate the interiors. Turrets, also known as the vertical projections that emerge from the structure’s main frame, give the architectural frame to the design.
The tomb is located at an elevation. The entrance is situated in the direction of the east. Another thing that is common in every Islamic building is the existence of the Mihrab structure, which is a semi-circular construction within the mosque’s wall. Mihrab represents the direction where Kaaba is situated. It is contained within carvings and arched recesses.
The front of the Shah Ibrahim Tomb resembles the entrance to a Hindu temple. It is decorated with numerous carvings. The colour scheme of the entrance is stunning. The front of the building, or façade, is embellished with relief features made of red sandstone, which is surrounded by grey limestone. The octagonal cupolas form the four corners of the dome. The tomb is a wonderful illustration from the Pathan style, characterised by a hefty amount of detail. The carved pillars feature beautiful kiosks; the tiles of white, red, and grey shades with dexterous brushwork, and the high terraces leading to double-story structures add richness to the architecture.
Two graves were erected there. It is the tomb of Shah Ibrahim. It is present inside the building. This main dome is joined by a smaller one that rests on the drum. The drum, which is octagonal, has small turrets scattered across the entire direction. This ancient location located in Narnaul is a must-see.
6) Barsi Gate
Barsi Gate was constructed by the famous ruler Alauddin Khalji. It was constructed in the Sultanate style of architecture. The gate was designed as a vast defensive structure during the Islamic period. It is a symbol of the impressive architecture of this time. The structure was restored during the reign of Ibrahim Lodhi in the year 1522 AD.
Barsi Gate is among the five gates in the Hansi-walled city still operating. The other four gates, specifically Umra Gate, Gosain Gate, Delhi Gate, and Hisar Gate, were destroyed as time passed. The Persian inscription is on the arch pointed at this Barsi gate. In the middle of the market, the building has become a magnificent gateway, with walls used to protect the city of Hansi. The gateway’s height is approximately 30 metres.
7) Jal Mahal
In the district of Mahendragarh, Jal Mahal was constructed by a commander called Quli Khan. It is a leisure spot that is situated amid the waters. The palace is surrounded by a tank. It is also known as Khan Sarovar and is known for its mix of Indian and Persian architectural styles.
You can access Jal Mahal through an entrance gate, which is located to the northwest. The palace’s base is constructed in the form of a square. It has four corners that are decorated with chambers. The chambers are built on two stories. The upper stories can be reached via a set of steps or stairs, and two of them are built facing north, with the two others facing south. In the central chamber, there is a square. It is crowned with a cupola. It is crowned by a huge dome. The side chambers also feature cupolas. The structure was built during the reign of Akbar between 1590-1591 AD. The tank which surrounds it was completed in 1593.
The inside of the Jal Mahal is lavishly decorated. The ceilings are decorated with paintings adorned with gold hues. The geometric patterns and designs of the motif are so appealing that guards are always in awe.
The tank has been unclean and dry for many years. The Haryana government has taken steps to clean it. The Haryana administration has now taken steps to clean and fill the empty tank. It took nearly 15 days to refill the tank. The channel had been built to serve this purpose. The revamp of the tank was undertaken to attract more visitors. The large number of international visitors who go to Jal Mahal has increased manifold since the cleansing and filling of the tank.
8) Raja Harsh Ka Tila
Raja Harsh Ka Tila is an ancient mound spread over a kilometre and approximately 750 metres wide. It was built at a height of approximately 15 metres above the surrounding area. It is a showcase of a variety of civilizations and influences over many centuries.
The area flourished during the time between Kushana and the Mughal period. The antiquities found at the site have been found to be from six different cultural periods, from the beginning of the century AD until the late 19th century AD. The periods include Vedic, Rajput, Gupta, Kushana, Post-Gupta, Vardhmana, Sultanate, and the Mughal Period.
The most sought-after antiquities belonging to the Kushana period are painted grayware. Redware with a polished finish that dates to the post-Gupta era has also been discovered in this area. The majority of the brick structures found at Raja Harsh Ka Tila are also from this time. Other discoveries on the site include remains of a structure from the Indo-Islamic period, an extensive garden dating back to the Mughal period, and several antiquities from various cultural periods.
In the Kurukshetra district, Raja Harsh Ka Tila is a great spot for anyone who is interested in archaeology and the past.
9) Chatta Rai Mukand Dass
Chatta Rai Mukand Dass is an impressive five-story building that was constructed through the efforts of Mukund Dass, who was Narnaul’s diwan under the reign of Shah Jahan, the great Mughal Emperor. With a variety of pavilions and rooms, the structure is a marvel of architecture.
Attractions of the “Chatta Rai Mukand Dass”
The palace is home to the renowned Diwan-e-Khas, which is embellished by massive pilasters. The marble floors are stunning. While the exterior design of the palace is simple, the inside design is worth a look. The careful planning process with which the entire palace was designed is impressive.
The palace is known for its size and the stunning lighting inside Chatta Rai Mukand Dass. The pavilions are built in the form of eclipses. These pillars form the foundation structures of the halls, which are situated at different levels. A vast verandah encloses the central court of the palace. The pillars and brackets are made of marble and give a stunning appearance to the building. Numerous open terraces are located on the southern side. A well that was once in use is situated on one of the terraces and was the water source for reservoirs on different levels.
Another impressive structure near the structure is a gateway surrounded by balconies. Prominent use of fountains as well as additional water features to help keep the area and surrounding area of Chatta Rai Mukand Dass cool. However, it is no longer in use. The underground passageway has three tunnels that visitors can only access. This particular floor provides light entry within the structure. A tunnel network was built; these passages led to nearby areas such as Delhi, Mahendragarh, and Jaipur.
Other Attractions Near Chatta Rai Mukand Dass
Sarai Mukand has a structure with an epigraph. According to this epigraph, the structure was built by Rai Mukand Dass, who was an employee of Asif Khan. The structure was built under the direction of Puran Mal.
According to locals, Emperor Akbar visited the area, and one of the nine jewels was Birbal. This is why the place is also called Chatta in Birbal.
10) Gujari Mahal
The renowned Tughlaq ruler, Feroze Shah, constructed the Gujari Mahal as a grand tribute to his beloved Gujari. The Emperor met her on one of his hunting trips and was captivated by the Gujari Mahal. Even though the palace is in disrepair, one can’t stop admiring the architectural beauty of the palace and the display of the Tughlaq style.
A platform that was situated on a hill intended for crowds of people has remained in use. It was constructed of stones, which one can admire at ancient Hindu temples. The temple was later taken over and destroyed. The architectural structures of the temple were used to construct numerous Islamic monuments. This structure, also known as “bardari” or “bardari” as it is often referred to, is accessible via a set of steps. The platform is constructed in the shape of an oval and features gorgeous arches that flank its sides.
Gujari Mahal is home to a variety of other structures that are part of the palace’s complex. It is known for its underground caves. The roof of the palace includes nine bays with a dome-shaped hemisphere, which supports the structure. The roof is made from lime plaster. The walls that line the outside part of the building are constructed of red sandstone. The door frames were made out of stone.
History of the “Gujari Mahal”
It is believed that Feroz Shah, during one of his journeys, encountered a woman who belonged to the Gujjar tribe. The empire, attracted by her beauty, was in love with her. After they got married, Feroz Shah asked her to join him in Delhi, but she refused because, as she was Gujjar-born, she would be treated differently. Gujjar was her home; she could not be treated as equally as other queens. Since she was unable to go with him, Feroz Shah, upon his return, constructed an impressive palace to honour her, called Gujari Mahal. Gujari Mahal.
11) Shah Quli Khan’s Tomb
- Location: Narnaul, Haryana
- Period: 16th century
Quli Khan constructed Shah Quli Khan’s Tomb between 1574 and 1575 during the Mughal period. Quli Khan was Narnaul’s governor when Akbar became the ruler. While it was constructed for his father, this tomb was the burial place of Khan, who was buried inside the structure.
The tomb’s foundation is constructed in an octagonal form and was constructed using a mix of red and grey sandstones. A gateway with an arched arch, which was constructed a few years after the building of the tomb, takes one to the gardens that surround the grave. The tomb of Shah Quli Khan is one of the first architectural pieces that were constructed during the time of Akbar. The large white dome that rests on top of the tomb is stunning. The tomb has a height of 42 metres; it has 28 arches along each side. The terraces were constructed to create the illusion of a gallery. The mausoleum is buried beneath an arch and is accessible via a series of steps.
The inscriptions on the tomb of Shah Quli Khan were made with Naksh or Persian scripts. The octagonal design of the site is quite different from the plan of the octagonal Lodhi or Suri structures. It is not possible to find Verandah in the tomb of Quli, which is a good instance in this regard. The lower floor of the burial chamber is constructed of white marble, whereas the upper is covered with lime plaster. The site’s stunning aesthetics make it one of the best pleasure structures of its time.
12) Chor Gumbad
Often referred to as “Narnaul’s Signal Board,” Chor Gumbad was built on an uninhabited rock. The structure was constructed around an oval with four minarets. They are erected on all four edges of the square. The structure was built in 1898 by Jamal Khan, an Afghan ruler; the site is his burial site. It was during this time that the city was under the rule of Feroz Shah.
Chor Gumbad gets its name because it was a former hiding location for criminals and thieves. The eerie look of the tomb draws visitors. The arches that form an S shape in Gumbad bear an eerie resemblance to the tombs of Shah Wilayat. There is a single chamber within Gumbad. If one examines the structure from the exterior, it appears to be two stories high; however, the reality is that instead of a second floor, the verandah is open. The dome isn’t very high, and the arches were constructed in the Tughlaq style.
Since the path leading to the area is amidst a variety of changes and twists, the area is also known under the title “Bhool Bhulaiyaa,” which is a maze.
13) Khwaja Khizr Tomb
One of the unique features that the grave has is the existence of “kankar” blocks that were used for the construction of the structure with red sandstone. This tomb, built by Khwaja Khizr, is located on a raised platform. The corners on the sides of the square-shaped platform are reinforced by protruding projections. It is necessary to climb many steps before reaching the entry point. The gate has two entrances that are adorned by arches. The art of the facade inspires arched recesses, mouldings, and arched recesses. The ceiling is ornamental and features floral designs that are available in a variety of colours.
The Tomb of Khwaja Khizr is one of the most popular attractions in Sonipat and a spot worth a visit.
14) Cantonment Church Tower
Part of St. James Church, Cantonment Church Tower, was built in the early part of the 19th century. It is among the oldest structures found in Karnal. In 1841, the church was subject to the transfer of the cantonment to a new location known as Ambala. Following this change, the dismantling of the church was completed.
The four-story structure is made from Etruscan plaster that is affixed to the wall surfaces of the initial floor. The highest level of this 100-foot-tall building is decorated with Roman arches, which are constructed in a semi-circular form. The walls feature panelling and are made from plaster.
FAQs About Monuments of Haryana
Q1) Are there limitations on the dress code for Haryana monuments?
Although no specific dress codes are enforced at Haryana monuments, it is suggested to dress modestly out of respect for the culture and religious values of these places.
Q2) Is it possible to hire local guides at the monuments?
Hiring an expert local guide is a fantastic option to enrich your trip and better understand the significance and history of the sites. Local guides can give you helpful information and exciting stories.
Q3) Is it possible to visit the Haryana monuments with my children?
Absolutely! Haryana monuments are appropriate for people of all ages, including youngsters. However, watching your children’s safety throughout the tour is recommended.
Q4) Are there any refreshments or food options close to the monuments?
Many monuments have food stalls or nearby eateries that offer local food and drinks. It is always recommended to bring water and snacks, particularly if you intend to stay for a while looking around the memorials.
Q5) Do you know of any souvenir shops within the monuments?
Many monuments have souvenir shops nearby where you can purchase an array of locally made art, handicrafts, and souvenirs that will remind you of your trip.
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