Thanks to Sarvesh, I stumbled on this facebook page that has a compilation of amazing architectural marvels that are relatively unknown from all across India. From this page, comes this picture of “amazing piece of engineering at Veer Narayana Temple, Belavadi (Karnatak). These monolithic columns were lathe turned and intricately designed with amazing surface finish which made stone columns shine like metal” even after hundreds of years. “This ornate trikuta (three tower) temple was built in 1200 C.E. by Hoysala Empire KIng Veera Ballala II”

The second image is that of a step-well from Rajasthan. Many of you while growing up must have seen these kind of wells in smaller towns and rural areas (sometimes in cities too).  These “wells” are found across the country and were widely used since ancient times as a means for water harvesting, particularly in dry and arid regions (think Rajasthan). Evidence of water harvesting has been found in India going back to thousands of years. Here is one particularly beautiful example: the “Chand Baori”, in the village of Abhaneri near Bandikui, Rajasthan.

This step well is believes to be more than a 1000 years old and is one of the deepest and largest step wells in India. It was built in the 9th century and has 3500 narrow steps in 13 stories and is 100 ft in depth. More than a 1000 years later, we have successfully managed to “forget” all these water conservation techniques..As a result, one of the biggest threats facing India today is that of water scarcity.

P.S. Please note that I have not been able to verify any of these images. If you do notice something that is inaccurate and/or any discrepancy, pl do leave a comment below or email me. Thanks.