Monuments of National Importance

• 01 Jan 2019

Archaeological Survey of India has declared following monuments of national importance:

• The ancient Neemrana Baori in Rajasthan's Alwar district;
• The Group of Temples at Ranipur Jharail in Odisha's Bolangir district;
• The Vishnu Temple in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand;
• High Court Building in Nagpur, Maharashtra,
• Two Mughal-era monuments in Agra — Haveli of Agha Khan and Hathi Khana.

High Court Building Nagpur

• The Nagpur High Court building is called a Poem in Stone because of its beautiful structure.
• The most conspicuous feature of the High Court frontage is the Dome, the grand entrance, both towers, and the majestic staircase.
• It was designed by Architect H.A.N. Medd.
• Greek influence can be seen prominently in the columns. The predominant Roman features can be seen in the ornamentation of both square and arched alcoves.
• The Renaissance drum is cylindrical and elongated. Over it are Rajasthani Chhatris. The dome has the resonance of the soprano.

Neemrana Baori– Rajasthan

• The Neemrana Stepwell was built in 18th century by Thakur Janak Singh.
• It is also known as Rani Ki Baoli in the local language.
• The primary cause of the creation of this step well was to create employment during the famine that hit the area during that period.
• It is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan.

Ranipur –Jharial- Odisha

• A group of temples near Ranipur Jharial in Balangir district of Odisha has been declared as a monument of national importance.
• Ranipur Jharial is known as “Soma Tirth” in scriptures.
• It is a combination of religious faiths of Shaivism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and Tantrism.
• The site is famous for Chausath (64) Yogini temples or the temples without roofs—known as the hypaethral temples.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological research, scientific analysis, excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and preservation of protected monuments.
• It is an attached office under the Department of Culture (Ministry of Culture).
• ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham who became its first Director-General.