"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
11 Nov 2022
We all know that the Taj Mahal is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. But, did you know that there exist many more such marvelous monuments which are a reflection of genius engineering, grandeur, and majesty that leaves us in absolute awe? Find out more about each architectural gem that is printed on the nonvalue face of Indian Currency.
Rs 500 - Red Fort
The Red Fort Complex was constructed to serve as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad, the new capital of the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan. It is called the Red Fort Complex because of the large red sandstone walls that surround it. It houses the Nahr-i-Behisht, a continuous water channel that connects the row of pavilions that make up the private apartments (Stream of Paradise). The Red Fort is regarded as the pinnacle of Mughal ingenuity, which was elevated to a new degree of sophistication under Shah Jahan.
Rs 200 - Sanchi Stupa
A collection of Buddhist monuments can be seen at the site of Sanchi, which is around 40 kilometers from Bhopal. The remains of Sariputta and Maha Moggallana, the two most senior disciples of the Buddha, were found here in 1851 by Alexander Cunningham, the founder of ASI. Later, they were removed and transported to London. The last nawab of Bhopal, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the Maha Bodhi Society worked together to ensure that these artifacts returned to India and were housed in the newly constructed Chetiyagiri Vihara.
Rs 100 - Rani Ki Vav
The bright blue-green 100 rupee note carries the picture of Rani Ki Vav - the famous step well at Patan in Gujarat. Interestingly, we thought we had lost this architectural marvel, but it was just recently unearthed. The step well from the 11th century remained hidden for more than 700 years before ASI (The Archaeological Survey of India) uncovered it in the 1980s. More than 1000 primary and minor sculptures were discovered in perfect condition after restoration.
Rs 50 - Hampi
The Vijaynagara Empire, one of the greatest Indian empires ever, can be understood in part because of the heritage city. That Hampi is Karnataka's most valuable asset and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is not surprising. Hampi, which is rocky but rich with trees carries Tungabhadra in its heart and bears the pride of the last Indian empire in its memories. A unique feature of the Vitthala temple is its 56 music pillars, each of which emits a distinctive sound. Your architectural curiosity will be piqued by this and much more in Hampi. In Hampi, there are twice as many surprises as there are temples.
Rs 20 - Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Two enormous rock-cut caves, Ajanta and Ellora, are the epitome of Indian art and achievement in architecture. Although these two monuments are almost 100 km apart, they are frequently cited together because of their similar aesthetic value. While Ajanta is known for its stunning Buddhist-themed murals on cave walls, Ellora is known for its sculpture and architecture that represent the three major religions that were practiced in that region at the time: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Rs 10 - The Sun Temple,Konark
The Sun Temple at Konark is devoted to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, and is credited to King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple complex's ruins are about 100 feet (30 meters) high and resemble a chariot with wonderfully carved wheels and horses that are also made of stone. The plinth of the temple is ornamented with reliefs of lions, musicians, dancers, and erotic groups in between the wheels. To further emphasize the temple's significance and relevance in Indian culture and tradition, it is shown on the INR 10 note of Indian currency.