The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has endowed six heritage sites across the nation with the honor of ‘monuments of national importance’. These include: The Neemrana Baori in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, the group of temples at Ranipur Jharial in Odisha’s Bolangir district, the Vishnu Temple in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, the High Court Building in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and two Mughal-era monuments, Haveli of Agha Khan and Hathi Khana in Agra.
Exploring the High Court Building in Nagpur
Dubbed as a ‘Poem in Stone’, the Nagpur High Court Building stands as a testament to beautiful architectural design. Its features create a harmonious blend of Greek, Roman, and Renaissance elements, courtesy of Designer H.A.N. Medd. Your eyes will be immediately drawn to the grand entrance, majestic staircase, and the towering edifice accentuated by a grand dome. Rounded columns reflect Greek influences, while both square and arched alcoves are adorned with distinctive Roman ornamentation. Moving upwards, the elongated cylindrical drum is reminiscent of the Renaissance period, topped with Rajasthani Chhatris.
Unveiling the Mystery of Neemrana Baori in Rajasthan
In Rajasthan’s Alwar district, the 18th-century Neemrana Stepwell, locally known as Rani Ki Baoli, stands tall. Thakur Janak Singh commissioned the construction of this stepwell to provide employment during a particularly harsh famine that had struck the region.
Discovering the Group of Temples at Ranipur Jharail, Odisha
Venturing into Odisha’s Balangir district, the group of temples at Ranipur Jharail has also earned the prestigious national importance status. The site, known as “Soma Tirth” in scriptures, is a melting pot of various religious faiths, including Shaivism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and Tantrism. Amongst these ancient structures, the Chausath Yogini temples, or hypaethral temples, are particularly notable for their unique roofless architecture.
| Monument | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| High Court Building | Nagpur, Maharashtra | A poem in Stone, Greek-Roman-Renaissance architectural influence |
| Neemrana Baori | Alwar, Rajasthan | 18th century stepwell built as famine relief work |
| Group of Temples at Ranipur Jharial | Bolangir, Odisha | Melting pot of religious faiths, home to Chausath Yogini temples |
About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
The ASI, an attached office under the Department of Culture (Ministry of Culture), stands at the forefront of archaeological research, scientific analysis, excavation, and preservation efforts. Since its inception in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, ASI has maintained its commitment to safeguarding India’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate these historic landmarks.