India is dotted with some incredible architecture which is not only historically significant but also holds immense spiritual values. But what makes them extraordinary is the fact that most of these monuments stretch back thousands of years! These monuments have withstood time, dynastic change, and natural calamities which add to their historical importance. These ancient structures, still alive and active, offer a glimpse into the golden past of the country which was spiritually, artistically , and architecturally rich! Let’s have a look at 10 historical monuments in India which are over 1,000 years old!The Great Stupa at Sanchi, Madhya PradeshThe Great Stupa at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh was also commissioned by Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century. Also known as Sanchi Stupa, it is among the oldest and most historically significant Buddhist monuments in the world. The massive dome enshrines relics of the Buddha. Travellers and photographers admire beautifully carved gateways or toranas. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil NaduA UNESCO Heritage Site, the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram has also left the world stunned with its incredible design. It was constructed around the 8th century during the reign of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II. The temple is one of the earliest structural temples in South India and is an architectural wonder of a kind. Unlike earlier rock-cut sanctuaries, this temple was built with dressed stone blocks. A perfect example of Dravidian architecture set on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Kailasa Temple, Ellora, MaharashtraKailasa Temple in Maharashtra is a part of the Ellora cave complex. The temple is all mysterious and shows an engineering and artistic marvel dating from the 8th century. It is carved from a single rock from top to bottom and is dedicated to Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash. It is estimated that over 200,000 tons of rock were removed to create this masterpiece but no one knows how it must have been done back then! Still a mystery! Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya PradeshKhajuraho Group of Monuments were constructed between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty. These temples are noted for their extraordinary and exquisite sculptures and erotic carvings. Of the original 85 temples, about 25 survive and can be explored today. These temples are adorned with thousands of stone carvings depicting deities, celestial beings and dancers. Far from being purely sensual, these carvings celebrate the divine connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. Barabar Caves, BiharA lesser-known historically rich monument, the Barabar Caves in Bihar are counted among the oldest surviving rock-cut structures in India. These date back to the 3rd century when the country was ruled by Emperor Ashoka. These caves were carved from solid granite and used by the Ajivika sect. People are generally left stunned with the highly polished interiors of the cave. These are simple yet gorgeous and ahead of time. The design shows early mastery of stone architecture.Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil NaduThe Brihadeeswarar Temple or the Big Temple was completed around 1010 CE during the reign of the Chola emperor Rajaraja I. The temple is entirely built of granite and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its huge massive vimana rises over 200 feet high and is topped with a single granite block weighing about 80 tons. The temple complex also houses an enormous Nandi (bull) statue. Even after a thousand years, the temple remains an active center of worship.Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
The Lingaraja Temple was built in the 11th century and remains one of the oldest and most revered temples in Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a stunning example of Kalinga-style architecture. The main tower rises to about 180 feet and is surrounded by numerous smaller shrines within a large courtyard. Its exquisite carvings and towering spire continue to dominate the skyline of Bhubaneswar.Konark Sun Temple, OdishaKonark Sun Temple in Odisha was constructed around 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is dedicated to the Sun God and is designed in the form of a massive chariot. The chariot’s 24 intricately carved stone wheels and seven galloping horses symbolize the passage of time. It is one of India’s most striking architectural wonders and a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
Virupaksha Temple in Hampi traces its origins back to the 7th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has been continuously used for worship for over 1,300 years. Its tall gopuram (entrance tower), pillared halls, and intricate sculptures reflect the prosperity and artistic refinement of the Vijayanagara period. Despite invasions and decline, the temple remains a living monument and a focal point of Hampi’s heritage landscape.These nine monuments, dotted across India, narrate a story of endurance, devotion, and brilliance. Preserving them is about protecting stones and carvings along with safeguarding the soul of a thriving civilization.
