India
This vast subcontinent has a history that stretches deep into the prehistoric and a short, one-week visit was hardly enough to satisfy my curiosity or do justice to such a vast swath of human existence and experience. Still, you have to start somewhere, and this gallery represents our first, tentative step toward traveling and perhaps understanding, the history and peoples of this fabled land.
(click on the photos with text below to see more of each)
Taj Mahal
Everyone recognizes this iconic structure, the enduring symbol of the Mughal Empire in India. The story of how Emperor Shah Jahan built this mausoleum and vast garden complex—over the course of two decades— to honor his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal is every bit as stirring.
Agra Fort
Built to be the center of Mughal rule, Agra Fort stood as the capital of that empire for over a century. The imposing military stonework of the outer fortress contrasts greatly with the delicate marble, gold, and semi-precious inlays of the palace area to create an incredible experience for any modern visitor. The drama of Emperor Shah Jahan’s imprisonment—at the hands of his son, no less—only increases the mystique and allure.
Humayun’s Tomb
Qutb Minar
Constructed between 1199 and 1368, the massive minaret in New Delhi was built to commemorate the defeat in battle of the Delhi Sultanate’s last Hindu ruler. The tower and surrounding facilities—both intact and lying in ruins—remain a potent reminder of India’s complicated history. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s well worth a visit!
