Thearchitecture of Uttar Pradesh demonstrates a diverse andeclectic combination ofBuddhist,Hindu,Indo-Islamic, and Indo-Europeanarchitectural styles. Three of its architectural monuments—theTaj Mahal, theAgra Fort, as well as the township ofFatehpur Sikri founded by the Mughal emperorAkbar—are designatedUNESCO World Heritage Sites. The architectural structures inUttar Pradesh include ancient Buddhiststūpas andvihāras, ancient Buddhist and Hindumonasteries,townships,forts,palaces,temples,mosques,mausoleums,memorials, and other community structures.Uttar Pradesh's architectural structures also include variousHindu temples,Ghats, etc. largely found in ancient cities likeBenares (Varanasi),Brindaban (Vrindavan),Mathura, andPrayagraj (Allahabad).[citation needed]
Most of the ancient buildings and structures atSarnath were damaged or destroyed. However, amongst the ruins can be distinguished:
For Buddhists, Sarnath (or Isipatana) is one of four pilgrimage sites designated byGautama Buddha, the other three beingKushinagar,Bodh Gaya, and Lumina.
Famous temples are theDashavatara Temple inDeograh,Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi andKrishnajanmabhoomi in Mathura.
Atala Masjid ofJaunpur shows some influences from Hindu architecture.
Uttar Pradesh has threeWorld Heritage Sites:Taj Mahal,Agra Fort and the nearbyFatehpur Sikri.Allahabad Fort stands on the banks of the Yamuna near the confluence with the river Ganges. It is the largest fort built by Akbar.[1][2][3]
TheTaj Mahal inAgra, built between 1632 and 1643 during the reign of Mughal EmperorShah Jahan is considered to be one of the best examples of Mughal architecture, as well asIndo-Islamic architecture as a whole.[1][4] While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of redsandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid withsemi-precious stones. Buildings under his patronage reached new levels of refinement. It is surrounded by vastgardens on all four sides.
Lucknow, the capital of the state, has several beautiful historicalmonuments such asBara Imambara andChhota Imambara.[5][6] It has also preserved the damaged complex of the Oudh-periodBritish Resident's quarters, which are being restored.
TheAllahabad Public Library built in theScottish Baronial style, andAll Saints Cathedral, Allahabad andKanpur Memorial Church built in thegothic revival style are examples of European-styled buildings in Uttar Pradesh.
TheLucknow Charbagh railway station andKanpur Central railway station were built in theIndo-Saracenic style.
NOIDA is a planned city and IT hub.[citation needed]
