Famous Historical Monuments

 It was Herodotus, the father of history who stipulated the count of world wonders as seven from the ancient ages till the modern period. Even though the wonders are being changed for 2500 years, the number of wonders remained the same as he believed that the number seven has certain magical power. But, it is equally inevitable to bring other extraordinary man-made creations to the limelight. Hence, this article aims at presenting 6 Historic Monuments of the Modern period :

1. Taj Mahal
2. Petra
3. Christ the Redeemer
4. Machu Picchu
5. Chichen Itza
6. India Gate

By managing the restricted and controlled area around the centrally protected monuments, the National Monuments Authority (NMA), a division of the Ministry of Culture, is in charge of the protection and preservation of monuments and sites. 

1. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal possesses exceptional aesthetic features in balance, symmetry, and the harmonic mixing of numerous parts, making it a masterpiece of architectural style in conception, treatment, and execution. The epithets that this human wonder carved out of marble are innumerable like India’s eminent historical place, the world’s most beautiful mausoleum, one among the list of seven wonders of the world, etc. Taj Mahal and other buildings around it took around 25 years of human effort since 1631 to transform into the current state that made use of artists from different parts of the world. It is assumed that the Persian architect, Usthad Eesa stood behind the creation of the Taj Mahal, which cost around 4.5 crores during the 17^th century. It was set up as the memorial of Mumtaz who was the wife of Shajahan and his boundless love and sorrow for Mumtaz still echoes in the walls of the Taj Mahal. The cooler months of October, November, and February are when most visitors come. The complex does not allow polluting vehicles, so visitors must either walk from parking lots or take an electric bus. The Taj Mahal complex as a complete, including the tomb, mosque, guest house, and main gate, is kept in its integrity. On Fridays, the Taj Mahal is closed. From 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., it is open. Additionally, it is open the two nights before and two nights after a full moon. 

 2. Petra

 Petra is an antique place that remained hidden for years, and it proudly sits in the southwest region of Jordan concealed by hilly terrain and mountains. During the reign of the Nabataean Empire, it was the trade center of the empire but was eventually dilapidated. In 1800, John Lewis Burckhardt discovered this mysterious place and he praised the beauty of Petra as the ‘one among the finest historical debris'. But, due to the wide treasure hunting of foreigners, Petra remained concealed. Nabataean, made up of sandstone, Monastery carved on a hill, the mausoleum in Greek-Roman style is the breath-taking sight in Petra. Half-built and partially carved into the rock, Petra is encircled by mountains that are laced with tunnels and valleys. It is one of the most well-known archaeological sites in the world, where Hellenistic and ancient Eastern architectural styles coexist. 

3. Christ the Redeemer

 The city, of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, is eminent for a statue placed in the zenith of Corcovado mountain. This statue of Jesus Christ with arms wide open has a length of 30 meters. In 1921, the Roman Catholic diocese aimed to build a statue of Christ on the top of this 704m mountain with the intention that, the statue should be visible from everywhere in Rio de Janeiro. As a part of it, the design put forward by an engineer, Heitor da Silva Costa was taken and thus made this admirable statue. The work that started in 1926 ended in five years using the building mixture of concrete, iron, and triangular-shaped soapstone. Like a roof over your head, the monument guards the metropolitan environment like Jesus Christ does. As necessary as any shelter is Cristo Redentor. The protection of the soul is provided by Christ the Redeemer. Heitor da Silva Costa, a Brazilian architect, and engineer created the Christ the Redeemer statue.

 4. Machu Picchu

 Machu Picchu is the noteworthy symbol of the Inca dynasty in Peru that never fails to make the modern world wonder about its incredible constructional style centuries ago. Machu Picchu is an ancient city along the sloping valley of Andes mountain with the blessed presence of the Urubamba river. It is one of the most visited destinations in South America, but during the first half of the 20^th century, Machu Picchu was only known for its tribes. Hence, it is referred to as the ‘Lost City of Incas', as the Spanish rulers of that time weren’t even aware of its existence. The noteworthy engineering skills of the Incas are visible in the architecture of buildings, walls, methods of agriculture and irrigation, tricks to get rid of soil erosion, etc. There are dry, chilly winters and wet, humid summers in Machu Picchu, with the majority of the year's precipitation falling between March and October. 

 5. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was the power center of the Mayan dynasty from AD 750 to AD 1200 and it was notable for pyramids with steps, shrines, trade centers, stone sculptures, etc. The ‘El Castillo' also known as the ‘Temple of Kulkun' is a significant construction over there, with 365 steps signifying 365 days and it reflects the importance and accuracy of Mayan astronomy. Yearly two times, a shadow of a snake comes behind this pyramid due to the deflection in sun movement and other equipment used for amateur astronomy can be also seen there. It is thought to have served as a Maya pilgrimage site and may have formerly been a religious center. Some claim that the location of Chichen Itza was already a well-known site for pilgrimage long before the city's construction even got off the ground. 

6. India Gate

The India Gate is a military memorial that was once known as the All India War Memorial. It is situated along Rajpath, on the eastern border of New Delhi's "ceremonial axis," which was formerly known as Kingsway. It is devoted to the British Indian soldiers who lost their lives in battles fought between 1914 and 1919. It is open every day for visitors. India Gate also happens to be a famous picnic spot for the Delhites, as it is open all day and night. The memorial was created by renowned English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and on February 10th, 192`, the Duke of Connaught, Queen Victoria's third son, placed the foundation stone. 

 I hope that seeing these famous historical sites from the contemporary era will provide you an exhilarating experience. Monuments are built to increase the beauty of every city. These are some of the most famous monuments of the modern period and visiting them is worthy of your time and money. Seeing these monuments live, in all their glory, is an experience in itself.