INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

Indian architecture was very diverse, reflecting the complex history of the region. Known for its temples, palaces, forts and iconic Indian rock-cut architecture, its styles included pronounced Buddhist, Islamic and European influences.

Indian architecture

The architecture of the Indian subcontinent: •  timber•  mudbrick architecture. 

Early Buddhist monuments:•  chaitya halls, stupa rails, and tora

nasclearly imitate wood construction, and timber buildings. 

• Allsurviving architecture is of  stoneusing exclusively a structural system of post and lintel,brackets, and corbels. 

Basic Simple Indian Architectural Forms: • Obscured•  verwhelmed by a rhythmical multipli

cation of pilasters,cornices, moldings, aediculae,roofs, and finials, and an exuberant and sensuous overgrowth of sculptural decoration.

built in the golden age of Sri Krishna Deva

Raya of Vijayanagara reign.

Dusing muslim invades, the main

deity in this temple was lost, and some of

the temple's sculptures are broken.Still it displays, those

days charm.

•Madhavaraya Temple

geographical

• a great triangular peninsula of Southern Asia, covering an area fifteen times the size of Great Britain, is bounded on the north by the Himalaya Mountains and their lateral spurs, and on east, west, and south by the sea. By reason of her geographical position, India in the earliest times received the overflow of the ancient races of Central Asia, and thus was chiefly influenced from the north ; more especially because the absence of good harbours along her coasts did not tend to promote intercourse by sea.

India’s present-day relief features have been superimposed on three basic structural units:

• the Himalayas in the north• the Deccan (plateau region) in the south

• the Indo-Gangetic Plain (lying over the subsidence zone) between the two.

Physiographic RegionsIndia can be divided into five physiographic regions. They

are:1. The Northern Mountains2. Indo Gangetic Plains3. The Peninsular Plateaus4. The Islands5. The Coastal Plains

The great rivers Ganges, Indus, Nerbudda, Kistna, and Jumna afforded employment to thousands of boatmen, and were utilised for rafting down building-timber from the immense forests ; while cities naturally sprang up on the banks of rivers which were trade routes and highways, and thus the Ganges-Jumna Valley contains some of the principal cities of architectural importance.

• covering nearly fifty square miles, was the capital of the Mogul Emperors, and its importance was undoubtedly due to its commanding position at the junction of the four historic roads from the Lower Ganges, the Hindu Kush, the Indus Valley, and the Gulf of Cambay. Delhi is the centre of India, as London is of England, and after having been in succession the capital of Hindu, Mahometan, and Mogul Empires, it has now recently been created the capital of the Empire of India. On the Western Ghats along the coast-line there are rock-cut temples, which in their capitals and columns suggest the influence of Egypt, Persia, and Assyria.

• Puente la Reina (Navarra)This fine capital is at eye-level on the doorway of a church on the Pilgrim Road to Santiago, where three branches meet for the final stretch to Compostela.

• Note the wreath of cockle-shells, symbol of St James (Santiago), above his brow.

• Note also that - as with a kirttimukha - the lower jaw is missing.

• The Greek Bactrian Kingdom in the north-west had considerable influence on the architecture, primarily of the Gandhara district, whence it spread over Northern India. The comparatively open country on the east coast was more accessible to civilisation, so that the ancient dynasties of Southern India fixed their capitals there, rather than on the west coast, where there is only a narrow strip of lowland between the Ghats and the seaboard, so that the inhabitants remain, even to this day, aloof from civilising movements.

Geological• The excellent building stone in the centre

of the peninsula • The hill country generally The famous pink marble of Rajputana,

used in the buildings at Delhi and Agra, the "trap " and granite of the Deccan, the sandstone of certain districts, and the volcanic potstone of Hullabid, all contributed to develop those characteristics which are peculiar to the different localities.

Pink marble of Rajputana,

• Western India

rock-cut " Chaityas “ (Buddhists) were produced in the actual geological formation ; for they were carved in the horizontal strata of the living rock, where it rises sheer from the ground in perpendicular cliffs. At Mahavellipore and Ellora, the Dravidian rock-cut temples, known as " Raths," were hewn out of the amygdaloidal trap formations. Teak, the principal timber of the country, is found on the Eastern and Western Ghats, and in the Himalayas while besides ebony and bamboo there are the palms, which grow mostly on the lowlands of the coast, and supply food, drink, clothing, and building material to the natives.

Chaityas are buddhist prayer halls that house a stupa. The word chaitya has its roots in sanskrit chita ~ meaning a pyre or a pile of ashes. The ancient rock-cut buddhist caves of Ajanta were built during the 2nd century BC ~ 6th century AD. All these caves and sculptures are carved out of the rocky hills of Ajanta. They start carving from top of the hill and reach the bottom, and hence do not make use of scaffolds for support.

• In the low-lying plains of Bengal, the alluvial soil was the only material available for building, which, made into bricks, was used extensively in this district. Terra-cotta seems to have been employed in early times, and the ease with which plastic clay was pressed into moulds may be responsible for some of the exuberance of ornament in later periods. Lime for building was obtained by burning limestone, shells, and kankar, a nodular form of impure lime found in river valleys.

Climatic

• India lies mostly within the tropics, and two principal seasons, wet and dry, divide the year. Here, as in Egypt, Assyria, and Persia, flat terraced roofs for coolness, exercise, and sleeping are the rule. The use of the great fan, or punkah, is an indication of the intense heat, which influenced the size and treatment of architectural openings ; thus the pierced screen or lattice window, which is so characteristic a feature of Indian as of all Eastern art, was designed to excude the light and heat caused by the constant sunshine. Canals, reservoirs, and tanks, which are conspicuous in connection with the plans both of temples and palaces, were necessary for irrigation and water-storage during the dry season.

Historical

• Alexander's conquests in North-West India (B.C. 327) (p. 67) brought that country into touch with European and West Asiatic art ; thus Greek, Assyrian, and Persian influences are apparent in the architectural detail of that region. The Greek Bactrian Kingdom (B.C. 323–130), which, along with India, fell to Seleukos Nikator, one of Alexander's generals and founder of the Syrian monarchy, exercised considerable Classical influence over Northern India. From the time of Alexander to the time of Vasco da Gama (A.D. 1498) Europe had little direct influence on the East. The Tartar or Scythic inroads from B.C. 126 to the fifth century of our era succeeded those of the Greeks.

• The Mahometan invasion, in the thirteenth century, led to the adoption of Saracenic features, thus producing an Indian version of that style. From A.D. 1746 British rule in India was being consolidated, until in A.D. 1858 the annexation to the British Crown was effected by Royal proclamation, a historic event which has still further promoted an intermingling of European and native art. The selection of Delhi as the capital of the Indian Empire has given an opportunity for English and native talent to produce public buildings in accord with Oriental surroundings and suitable for their Imperial purpose. 

Social

The peoples of India consist of:

(a) The Non-Aryan tribes or aborigines ; (b) the Aryan or Sanskrit-speaking race, which includes Brahmans and Raj puts ; (c) Hindus, a mixed population formed of the above ; (d) Mahometan invaders.

• These races have really never amalgamated, but have become mixed in varying degrees, and have always remained subject to the unchanging conditions which characterise the East. The chief dividing lines are those of religion and caste, rather than of race and language, and this has naturally produced an architecture which shows little progressive development ; while there is diversity and absence of unity between the different styles in this vast peninsula. The tenure of land by feudal princes produced enormous revenues which were largely spent in the erection of religious monuments for self-gratification.

• Among the most intellectual class, the spiritual and contemplative aspects of life overshadowed the practical and political, and even influenced architecture, as is seen in the avoidance of constructive problems. Architecture, like other records of events, is silent from the expiring years of Buddhism (A.D. 750) to the commencement of the eleventh century. The " Mahawanso " of Ceylon, however, a series of rock inscriptions, forms a historical record of that island from B.C. 250. The subordination of human personality under the caste system, which divided people into communities rather than into families, was not favourable to domestic architecture, which remained in a rudimentary state. The Sanskrit grammar of Panini, compiled about B.C. 350, is still the foundation of the study of the Aryan language.

• The epic poems known as the " Mahabbarata " or chronicles of the Delhi Kings up to B.C. 1200, and the " Ramayana," or story of the Aryan advance into Southern India about B.C. 1000, are works by the Brahmans that may be compared to Homer's " Iliad" and Virgil's " AEneid." Sir W. Hunter's " Brief History of the Indian Peoples " forms an excellent resume of Indian art and life.

Religious

• The Early Vedic religion, of which the " Rig-Veda " a collection of poems addressed to the gods—forms the literary memorial, had existed in the sixth century before our era, and long before the rise of Buddhism.

• Religious influence on Indian architecture can be traced fromm the primitive times starting from the Hindus. With the rise of Islam, the religion which came to India due to several invasions also significantly influenced the architectural designs of Indian artisans. Indian architecture has also absorbed some of the traits of the Christian art along the Buddhist, Jain and Parsi forms of architecture. 

• The Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India". It is one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a symbol of India’s rich history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal attracts some 3 million visitors a year.

Interior view of the vaulted dome over the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz.

One of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilization is undoubtedly its architecture. Indian architecture, which has evolved through centuries, is the result of socio-economic and geographical conditions. Different types of Indian architectural styles include a mass of expressions over space and time, transformed by the forces of history considered unique to India. As a result of vast diversities, a vast range of architectural specimens have evolved, retaining a certain amount of continuity across history.

Architecture in IndiaThe architecture of India is rooted in its history, culture and religion. Indian architecture progressed with time and assimilated the many influences that came as a result of India's global discourse with other regions of the world throughout its millennia-old past. The architectural methods practiced in India are a result of examination and implementation of its established building traditions and outside cultural interactions.

One of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilization is undoubtedly its architecture. Indian architecture, which has evolved through centuries, is the result of socio-economic and geographical conditions. Different types of Indian architectural styles include a mass of expressions over space and time, transformed by the forces of history considered unique to India. As a result of vast diversities, a vast range of architectural specimens have evolved, retaining a certain amount of continuity across history.

Architectural Character or Features• The main elements in the traditional Indian

building style is trabeate, using pillars and beams and lintels.

The Ruins from India Pool

Colonial Architecture• Like all other aspects,

colonization of Indian also had an impact on architecture style. With colonization, a new chapter in Indian architecture began. The Dutch, Portuguese and the French made their presence felt through their buildings but it was the English who had a lasting impact on architecture.

• From the mid nineteenth century it became a norm for the Anglo-Indian church builders to follow the model set by the revivers of the many combinations of Gothic in England.

• The Italian Gothic preferred by John Ruskin for secular works, and applied most influentially to public buildings in England, was seen to be well adapted to conditions in India. After numerous essays in northern styles, the masterly ‘Venetian’ designs sent out by Sir Gilbert Scott for Bombay University were decisive.

Indo Islamic Architecture

• The medieval period saw great developments in the field of architecture. With the coming of Muslims to India, many new features came to be introduced in buildings. The development of Muslim Style of Architecture of this period can be called the Indo-Islamic Architecture or the Indian Architecture influenced by Islamic Art. The Indo-Islamic style was neither strictly Islamic nor strictly Hindu.

• The most important symbol of Indo-Islamic architecture in India is the tomb or the mausoleum which evolved from the basic cube and hemisphere of the early phase into a more detailed form during the Mughal period. In the Mughal period multiple chambers were made and tombs were set in gardens, known as the Char-Bagh.The most famous example of tomb in India is the Taj Mahal.

Ancient Architecture• Indian architecture is as

old as the history of the civilization. The earliest remains of recognizable building activity in the India dates back to the Indus Valley cities. Among India's ancient architectural remains, the most characteristic are the temples, Chaityas, Viharas, Stupas and other religious structures.

Famous Hindu Akshardham temple in South Delhi

• Cave ArchitectureThe cave architecture in India is believed to have

begun in the third century BC. These caves were used by Buddhist and Jain monks as places of worship and residence. Initially the caves were excavated in the western India. Some examples of this type of cave structure are Chaityas and Viharas of Buddhists.

• Rock CutThe Rock-cut structures present the most

spectacular piece of ancient Indian art specimen. Most of the rock-cut structures were related to various religious communities. In the beginning, remarkable Buddhist and Jain monuments were produced in areas such as Bihar in the east and Maharashtra in the west.

• Temple ArchitectureIn ancient India, temple architecture of high

standard developed in almost all regions. The distinct architectural style of temple construction in different parts was a result of geographical, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical and linguistic diversities. Ancient Indian temples are classified in three broad types. This classification is based on different architectural styles, employed in the construction of the temples.

Examples of Structures• Colonial Architecture• Indo Islamic Architecture• Ancient Architecture• Cave Architecture• Rock Cut• Temple Architecture

• British Colonial Era: 1615 to 1947[edit]• The British arrival in 1615 overthrew the Mughal

empire. Britain reigned India for over three hundred years and their legacy still remains through building and infrastructure that populate their former colonies.[31]

The culminating masterpieces of the series, increasingly hybrid in style, are Frederick Stevens’ works, especially Victoria Terminus (1878-87), the headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsular Railway.

Colonial Architecture

• French: 1673 to 1954• The French colonized a fishing village (Pondicherry) in Tamil

Nadu and transformed it into a flourishing port-town. The town was built on the French grid pattern and features neat sectors and perpendicular streets and divided into two sectors, French Quarter (Ville Blanche) and the Indian quarter (Ville Noire). French styled villas were styled with long compounds and stately walls, lined houses with verandas, large French doors and grills. Infrastructure such as banks, police station and Pondicherry International Port still hold the French presence.

• Dutch: 1605 to 1825• The Dutch entered India with the only interests of

Trade in the early 17th Century. During their 200 years in India, they colonized Surat, Bharuch, Venrula, Ahmedabad, Malabar Coast, Kochi and Sadras.

• Portuguese: 1498 to 196• The Portuguese arrived as merchants in the 1498

and were more driven by a Catholic missionary zeal than gaining powers in India. The Portuguese gained a foothold in Goa and ruled for 400 years.

Ancient Indian Cave Architecture• Ajanta

The Ajanta Caves Maharashtra India, are 29 rock-cut cave monuments which date from the 2nd century B.C. The caves include paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist religious art (which depict the Jataka tales) as well as frescos which are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka. The caves were built in two phases starting around 200 B.C, with the second group of caves built around 600 A.D.

• ElloraEllora is an archaeological site, 30 km from the

city of Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra, built by the Rashtrakuta rulers. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 "caves" actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills: being Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and monasteries, were built between the 5th century and 10th century.

• Elephanta• The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located

on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour. The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain.

Temple• Some of the best examples of the north Indian

style (Nagara style) of temple architecture are the Khajuraho Group of temples, Sun temple, Konark, Sun temple at Modhera, Gujarat and Ossian temple, Gujarat. The finest examples of Dravidian style (south Indian style) are temples of Tanjore, Madurai, Mahabalipuram, Badami, Pattadakal and Kanchipuram.

• Brihadeeswara Temple• Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore, is a city in the south Indian

state of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the centre of the city. Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region.

• Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai[1][2] and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2,500 year old city[5] of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature though the present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE.

Pakistan

PAKISTAN

refers to the various structures built during different time periods in the modern day region of Pakistan.

With the beginning of the Indus civilization around the middle of the 3rd millenium B.C

This was followesd by the Gandhara style of buddhist architecture that Borrowed elements from the Ancient Greece. These remnants are visible in the Gandhara capital of Taxila.

Geography of Pakistan• The Islamic republic of Pakistan is situated between

24.50 and 36.75 latitude north and 61 to 75.5 longitudes east country located in the mountainous region adjoining central Asia and the middle east

796,096 sq km, Pakistan is the world’s 36th largest country.

• The geography of Pakistan is a profound blend of landscapes varying from plains to deserts, forests, hills, and plateaus ranging from the coastal areas of the Arabian Sea in the south to the mountains of the Karakoram range in the north.

• Pakistan geologically overlaps both with the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates where its Sindh and Punjab provinces lie on the north- western corner of the Indian plate while Balochistan and most of the Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa lie within the Eurasian plate which mainly comprises the Iranian plateau, some parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.

Neighboring countries:

• Afghanistan

• Iran

• China

• India

up to about 6,774 km (4,334.1 mi) in length land bordered and coastline is about 1046 km

Climate

Pakistan has four seasons:

• a cool, dry winter from December through February; • a hot, dry spring from March through May• the summer rainy season, or southwest monsoon

period, from June through September; • the retreating monsoon period of October and

November. Rainfall can vary radically from year to year, and successive patterns of flooding and drought are also not uncommon

Demographics of religion in Pakistan:

ISLAM

Islam is the state religion of Pakistan, and about 95-98% of Pakistanis are Muslims.Islam is the state religion of Pakistan, and about 95-98% of Pakistanis are Muslims. The Muslims are largely divided into two sects, Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. The Shia Islam in Pakistan is practiced by 5-20% of the Muslims and the remaining larger number of Muslims practice Sunni Islam

HINDUISM

Hinduism is the second largest religion in Pakistan accounting for 2.00% of the population. The Last population census divided the population into 1.6% Hindu Jati and 0.25% Scheduled castes.The Rig Veda, the oldest Hindu text was believed to have been composed in the Punjab province of modern day Pakistan on the banks of Indus River around 1500 BCE and spread from there across South and South East Asia slowly developing and evolving into the various forms of the faith we see today.

CHRISTIANITY

Christians (Urdu: مسيحى) make up 1.6% of Pakistan's population, about 2.8 million people out of a total population.[3] The majority of the Pakistani Christian communities is constituted by converts from the Hindus and Muslims from Punjab region, from the British colonial era. The community is geographically spread throughout the Punjab province, whilst its presence in the rest of the provinces is mostly confined to the urban centers. There is a Roman Catholic community in Karachi which was established by Goan and Tamil migrants when Karachi's infrastructure was being developed by the British during colonial administration between World War I and World War II.

Meanwhile there are few Protestant groups conducting missions in Pakistan. The Day by Day Christian Ministries which is based in the Philippines is operating a school in Karachi, though most of its members there converted outside the country due to restrictions at home

Bahá'í

The Bahá'í Faith in Pakistan begins previous to its independence when it was still under British colonial rule. The roots of the religion in the region go back to the first days of the Bábí religion in 1844,with Shaykh Sa'id Hindi who was from Multan.During Bahá'u'lláh's lifetime, as founder of the religion, he encouraged some of his followers to move to the area that is current-day Pakistan.

SikhismIn the 17th century the reformist Sikh movement originated in Pakistan's Punjab region where Sikhism's founder as well as most of the faiths disciples originated from. There are a number of Sikhs living throughout Pakistan today; estimates vary, but the number is thought to be on the order of 20,000.

ZoroastrianismZorastrianism is believed to have been a major religion in the region of Pakistan from the time it was part of the Persian Achemenid empire. There are at least 4,000 Pakistani citizen practicing the Zoroastrian religion.[33] Numerous Zorastrian fire temples still exist in Balochistan, Sindh and parts of Panjab. More recently, from the 15th century onwards, Zorastrians came to settle the coast of Sindh and have established thriving communities and commercial enterprises.

Kalash

This is pagan religion of the Kalash people living in a remote part of Chitral. Adherents of the Kalash religion number around 3,000 and inhabit three remote valleys in Chitral; Bumboret, Rumbur and Birir. Their religion is unique but shares some common ground with Greek, Macedonian Pagan, Vedic and Pre-Zoroastrian religions.

Jainism

Jainism existed in Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi. There is no evidence of any Jains living in Pakistan today, although it is claimed that a few still live in Sindh and Punjab provinces. They are number of disused Jain Temples found in different parts of Pakistan. Gulu Lalvani, a famous Jain, was originally from Pakistan but he, like other Jains, emigrated from Pakistan. Baba Dharam Das Tomb is also found in Pakistan. Digambar Temple is one of the famous Jain temples in Pakistan

BuddhismBuddhism has an ancient history in Pakistan; currently there is a small community of at least 1500 Pakistani Buddhist in the country.[33] The country is dotted with numerous ancient and disused Buddhist stupas along the entire breath of the Indus River that courses through the heart of the country. Many Buddhist empires and city states existed, notably in Gandhara but also elsewhere in Taxila, Punjab and Sindh. It is believed that Tantric Buddhism was developed in Pakistan's Swat valley. Pakistan and much of Afghanistan were one of the first regions to adopt Buddhism and which saw a large number of adherents to the faith. It is believed that through the Silk Road of northern Pakistan, that Buddhism spread later to Central Asia, China and beyond.

JudaismThere is no evidence that there are any Jews (Urdu: ودی ہی ) in Pakistan today, nor has any claim been made by any practitioner of the faith in recent decades. Various estimates suggest that there were about 1,500 Jews living in Pakistan at the time of its independence on 14 August 1947, with the majority living in Karachi and a few living in Peshawar. However, almost all emigrated to Israel after 1948. There are a few disused synagogues in both cities; while one Karachi synagogue was torn down for the construction of a shopping mall. The one in Peshawar still exists, although the building is not being used for any religious purpose. There is a small Jewish community of Pakistani origin settled in Ramla, Israel.

Atheism and agnosticism

There are people who do not profess any faith (such as atheists and agnostics) in Pakistan but their numbers is not known.[35] They are particularly in the affluent areas of the larger cities. Some were born in secular families while others in religious ones. According to the 1998 census, people who did not state their religion accounted for 0.5% of the population, but social pressures against claiming no religion was strong.[9] A 2012 study by Gallup Pakistan found that people not adhering to any religion account for 1% of the population

HISTORICAL PLACES INPAKISTAN

Minar-e-Pakistan Minar-e-Pakistan (or Yadgaar-ePakistan)is a tall minaret in Iqbal ParkLahore, built in honor of the LahoreResolution. It reflects a blend of Mughal andmodern architecture, and isconstructed on the site where onMarch 23, 1940, Lahore Resolution(Qarardad-e-Lahore) demandingthe creation of Pakistan. It wasseven years before the formation ofPakistan. The large public space around themonument is commonly used forpolitical and public meetings,whereas Iqbal Park area is ever so popular among kite-flyers. The tower rises about 60 meters on the base, thus the total height of minaretis about 62 meters above the ground. The unfolding petals of the flower-like base are 9 meters high. The diameterof the tower is about 97.5 meters (320 feet).

Badshahi Mosque The Badshahi Mosque (Urdu: مسجد

or the 'Emperor's ,(بادشاھیMosque', was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Lahore.

It is one of the city's best known landmarks, and a major tourist attraction and characterizes the beauty and greatness of the Mughal era.

Capable of accommodating over 55,000 worshipers.

It is the second largest mosque in Pakistan, after the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.

The architecture and design of the Badshahi Masjid is closely related to the Jama Masjid in Delhi, India, which was built in 1648 by Aurangzeb's fathervand predecessor, Emperor Shah Jahan.

The Imam-e-Kaaba (Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Al-Sudais of Saudi Arabia) has also led prayers in this mosque in 2007.

Mizar-e-Quaid

The Quaid-e-Azam`s Mausoleum Is a prominent and impressive land-mark of Karachi.

Nearby are the graves of the“Quaid-e-Millat”.

Liaqat Ali Khan, the first PrimeMinister of Pakistan and theQuaid`s sister, Mohtarma FatimaJinnah.

Faisal Mosque The Shah Faisal Masjid in

Islamabad, Pakistan, is among one of the largest mosques in the world. It is renowned for both its size and its architecture

covering an area of 5,000 square meters with a capacity of 300,000 worshippers. Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay's

designed it. Construction of the mosque began

in 1976 by National Construction of Pakistan, led by Azim Borujerdi, and was funded by the government of Saudi Arabia, at a cost of over 130 million Saudi riyals (approximately $120 million USD today).

It is located at the end of Shaharah-e-Islamabad, putting it at one end of the city and in front of a magnificent backdrop provided by the Margalla Hills.

It is a focal point of Islamabad, and famous and recognized icon of the city

The National Monument in Islamabad,

Pakistan is a national monumentrepresenting the four provinces and three territories of Pakistan. Designed by Arif Masood the

blooming flower shape of the monument represents Pakistan's progress as a rapidly developing country. The four main petals of the

monument represent the four provinces (Balochistan, North West Frontier Province, Punjab, and Sindh), while thethree smaller petals represent the three territories (Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas).

Pakistan Monument

The Historical Khyber Pass

The Khyber Pass, (Urdu: ہدرt) is the mountain pass (خیبرthat links Pakistan andAfghanistan at an altitude of 1,070 m or 3,510 feet Throughout history it has

been an important trade route between CentralAsia and South Asia and a strategic military location. The summit of the Khyber

Pass is 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) inside Pakistan atLandi Kotal and it cuts through the northeastern part of the White Mountains or Koh-e-Safaid - extension of the Hindu Kush range.

For centuries, it has beena trade route betweensouth and north Asia.

Every stone in theKhyber has been soakedin blood." RudyardKipling called it "asword cut through themountains.

Ali Masjid

Ali Masjid is a mosque situated along the Khyber Pass that snakes through the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to the legend, the mosque derives its name from the Islamic caliph, Hazrat Ali; local traditions put that he traveled the area. True or false, the mosque gives a spectacular image and serves as a stopping point along the way, which has served as a gateway to the empires.

Lahore Fort As the name suggests, this fort is situated in the city of

Lahore – in fact, it is one of the prized buildings of the walled-city of Lahore or Old Lahore. Although the origins of the fort are older, the present structure is said to have been built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The Fort itself acted as a geo-strategic site that met Kashmir, the Afghan areas, and Multan. Decorated with Mughal architecture, the Fort complex includes such architectural marvels as Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) and Badshahi Mosque.

Shalimar Bagh Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Shalamar Bagh

is one of the most beautiful sites in Pakistan. Its gardens and refreshing fountains attract a large number of visitors. The site consists of three levels of garden terraces which were watered by a canal; which also waters the exquisite marble terrace. It has a total of 410 fountains at all levels and a large variety of fruit trees.

Quaid\'s Residency

Situated in Ziarat, a hill station in Balochistan province, the Residency was where Pakistan's founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent the last days of his life. The ailing Jinnah was recommended a rest and Ziarat was the best choice for its fragrance and fresh mountain air. There, the Residency, a wooden structure, provided the founder with the perfect retreat.

Iqbal\'s TombThe tomb of Allama Muhammad Iqbal at Lahore is an important national monument. The tomb is located in the Hazuri Bagh between the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque. Set in beautiful red sandstone, Iqbal’s importance to Pakistan renders this building historical significance.

Islamia CollegeSituated in Peshawar, Islamia College was established in 1913 by Nawab Sir Sahabzada Abdul Qayyum and Sir George Roos Kepel. The idea of Abdul Qayyum, an educationist-cum-politician, was to build an educational institute that imparts modern education to the Muslims. Later on, the students of Islamia College played an important role in the movement of independence for Pakistan; even Jinnah visited the College thrice.

Aga Khan University and Hospital

The Aga Khan University Hospital is another beautiful building of Pakistan. This building that heals is designed by Payette Associates. The building was completed in 1985 and it is a marvel of traditional Indo-Persian and Mughal architecture.

Habib Bank Plaza

Habib Bank Plaza once the tallest building of Pakistan was established in 1963. The fine architecture of the building was designed by a famous international architecture Leo A Daly.

The Centaurus The Centaurus is a mixed real estate development in Islamabad. It is the finest architecture no doubt comprises three skyscrapers that have shopping mall, residential apartments, corporate offices and 5-star hotel. The building is designed by a British architectural firm WS Atkins and the interior of residential apartments and Malls has been designed by Turkish firm ODEION.