10 Of India's Oldest Monuments

Sanchi Stupa, Madhya PradeshBuilt in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka, the Sanchi Stupa is one of India’s oldest surviving stone structures, renowned for its Buddhist relics, intricate toranas, and hemispherical dome.Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya PradeshDating back to over 1,00,000 years, these UNESCO-listed shelters contain prehistoric cave paintings that depict hunting, dancing, and everyday life, offering insight into early human civilisations in South Asia.Konark Sun Temple, OdishaConstructed in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, this chariot-shaped temple honours the Sun God Surya, famed for its intricate stone carvings and advanced astronomical and architectural alignments.Mahabodhi Temple, BiharOriginally built in the 3rd century BCE by Ashoka and later reconstructed, this sacred site marks the location of Buddha’s enlightenment and is a vital centre of Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage.Ajanta Caves, MaharashtraCarved between the 2nd century BCE and 6th century CE, the Ajanta Caves house stunning frescoes and sculptures that chronicle Buddhist narratives, showcasing some of the earliest forms of Indian art.Elephanta Caves, MaharashtraDating back to the 5th–6th centuries CE, these rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island feature impressive Shaivite sculptures, including the iconic Trimurti, blending Hindu mythology with ancient rock architecture.Shore Temple, Tamil NaduErected in the 8th century CE under the Pallava dynasty at Mahabalipuram, the Shore Temple is one of India’s earliest stone-built temples, exemplifying Dravidian architecture near the Bay of Bengal.Dilwara Temples, RajasthanBuilt between the 11th and 13th centuries CE by the Chalukya dynasty, these Jain temples in Mount Abu are revered for their pristine marble craftsmanship and meditative architectural symmetry.Udayagiri Caves, Madhya PradeshThese Gupta-era caves from the 4th–5th century CE feature some of India’s oldest Hindu iconography, including the earliest known image of Vishnu’s Varaha (boar) avatar carved into a rock wall.Lomas Rishi Cave, BiharConstructed in the 3rd century BCE, the Lomas Rishi Cave is the oldest surviving example of rock-cut architecture in India, originally used by Ajivika monks, featuring an elaborately carved facade.10 Must Visit Museums In IndiaRead More