India

Asia 

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan.

20 00 N, 77 00 E

Motto: "Satyameva Jayate" (Sanskrit) सत्यमेव जयते  (Devanāgarī)
President Pratibha Patil	Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (INC)

Capital
New Delhi

Government
Federal constitutional parliamentary democracy

Religions
Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

Population
1,156,897,766

Ethnic groups
Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)

National Language     
Hindi

National Day
15 August 1947 (from the UK)

Currency
Indian rupee (Indian Rupee symbol.svg) (INR)

Anthem
Jana Gana Mana "Truth Alone Triumphs"

Attractions
Agra Fort, Brihadisvara Temple, Darjeeling, Elephanta Caves, Fatehpur Sikri, Gwalior Fort Hampi, Indian Museum, Jama Masjid, Kashmir, Ladakh, Mahabalipuram Temples, Old Goa, Palace of the Wind, Qutb Minaret, Red Fort in Old Delhi, Sikkim, Taj Mahal, Varanasi & the Ganges... 

 

Website
http://www.tourisminindia.com

Art & Cultural

The ICON

Taj Mahal                                            The Taj Mahal  is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world.[citation needed] It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.