If you are a history lover, memorials or monuments, would certainly catch your fancy. When these monuments are located at a place that has a rich historical heritage, their beauty gets multiplied tremendously. This is the case with the memorials in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Built using various architectural styles and patterns, these monuments have been standing tall for many centuries now. Most of the sites have become hallmark attractions of the site. Archaeology and history students come from various countries to study the intricate styles of architecture employed while constructing these places. You will be surprised by the workmanship and expertise of the local artisans of this place, during the good old historic period.

Many kings of various dynasties had ruled over the state of Uttar Pradesh during the olden days. The monuments found here are clear representations of the monarchical rule of the place. Inscriptions relating to the period in which they were constructed are found in some of the memorials and this helps us to trace back their history to a reasonable extent.  Though many kings and queens ruled over the state, the impact of Mughal style of architecture on the memorials cannot be rubbed off. This is because Uttar Pradesh, for a greater period of time, came under the control of the Mughal Empire. Mughal, Persian and Islamic styles of architecture are visible in most of the memorials constructed here.

Marble and sandstone are the main ingredients used for building most of the memorials in Uttar Pradesh. In order to have a glimpse of these beautiful memorials, you can travel to parts of Agra, Lucknow and Patna. The city of Patna that is mentioned here is not the capital city of Bihar, but the city belonging to Patna Circle in Uttar Pradesh. These areas are the ones that house some of the most beautiful, elegant and majestic memorials that have stood the test of time and are standing tall today, many centuries after their construction.

Architectural Style of the Memorials in Uttar Pradesh

There is no one single style that defines the architectural patterns found in the memorials of Uttar Pradesh. The state has been through the monarchical rule of many dynasties – Mughals, Nawabs, Rajputs and the British. Therefore, the memorials and other monuments here follow these styles of architecture in their structures. On the face of it, Uttar Pradesh is a state that houses a confluence of architectural styles that are visual treats for the history and archaeology lover.

Some Famous Memorials/Monuments in Uttar Pradesh

One look at the memorials of Uttar Pradesh will blow your minds away because they are architecturally brilliant and perfect. You cannot help but wonder at the craftsmanship that was present in the artisans of those times.  The following are some of the important monuments / memorials that you cannot afford to miss when you are in Uttar Pradesh.

Taj Mahal

This is not only the pride of Uttar Pradesh, but the pride of India. Listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal is a magical structure made out of pure white marble. Precious and semi-precious gem stones are engraved nicely into this marble. This was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose tomb is housed inside Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, this place is a true representation of the rich style and elegance of Mughal architecture. The superior taste of Mughal rulers of those times is clearly visible from this structure.

Bara Imambara

Bara means big and Imambara means mosque. When you are visiting the capital city of Lucknow, Bara Imambara is a structure that you just should not miss. This is one of the most elegant structures built using Mughal style of architecture in the olden days.  This place houses the memorial of Asaf-ud-Daula and is a real marvel for construction experts today. This is because the huge ceilings of this monument don’t have any beams and it was probably one of the few arched structures that were built using this style in the olden days.