Famous Towers in India
Tourists visit India for its richly carved temples, but its historic towers are also worth a visit. The country is massive and its history is vast, so the towers represent different periods of history and politics from Islamic to British rule to the current Indian financial boom. The Tower of India, currently under construction in Mumbai, is the latest example of this type of structure in the country.
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Qutb Minar
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Lonely Planet recognizes this tower as one of the most impressive in India. Located in Delhi, the tower was built during a period of Islamic rule during the 12th century and builders accordingly covered it with geometric patterns and designs. Different Islamic rulers built it over a period of century, which accounts for the layered styles and different materials ranging from sandstone to marble. Like its famous counterpart in Pisa, Italy, the tower leans slightly to one side.
Lucknow Clock Tower
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Lucknow, the capital of the region of Uttar Pradesh, was known as the "Constantinople of India" for its variety of religious and historic monuments. The tallest clock tower in India dominates the scene with its Victorian, Gothic facade. Built by a British architect in 1880, the clock is a symbol of India's history as a colony. Lucknow has a history of as a rebel city, however, and its citizens launched a major siege on British forces in 1857 not far from where the clock later stood.
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Tower of India
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Finally approved by the Mumbai government in 2010, the massive Tower of India is under construction. Once finished, it will dominate the city skyline at 103 stories. Plans for the building look like a series of stacked narrow silver boxes. Proposed by Blackstone, the group that owns Hyatt hotels, the outstanding feature of the building is that it is very environmentally friendly. They will build it with green materials designed to trap and use rainwater. Its architects are seeking the prestigious US LEEDS environmental certification for the building.
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References
- Photo Credit qutb minar image by ralf werner froelich from Fotolia.com
