Historic monuments carved out of natural stone is an exquisite art one can find in Europe, the Middle East and India. In India alone, there are over 1500 legendary structures created out of natural stones. Several among these structures reflect the artwork of global significance. Delicate stone carvings signifying the glorious past is a jewel adorning most of the Indian architectures.
Some of them have used premium-quality marble tiles & slabs while others have leveraged the qualities of sandstone. People have used granite for thousands of years and has demonstrated more durability over time.
The natural stones used in monuments constructed centuries ago have proved their beautiful existence until today. So, let’s dig into some of the iconic structures that have become a benchmark in natural stone applications!
Amber Fort (Red Sandstone & Marble)
Amber Fort located in the outskirts of Jaipur, Rajasthan is a World Heritage Site constructed in 1592 AD by Raja Man Singh. The original home of the Rajput royals boasts dozens of magnificent natural stone structures within its premises. Displaying a captivating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, the fort is built using Red Sandstone and high-quality white marble. Both the natural stones were intentionally applied to make the fort look like a grand palace.
Red Sandstone is one of the most abundantly used natural stones in Indian architecture. The attractive reddish tint is due to Jasper and Iron Oxide. This distinct variety of sandstone shows a water absorption rate that is higher than marble and granite tile. Also, the stone is resistant to stains and heat and is easy to clean making it high in demand. Thanks to its physical characteristics, Red Sandstone accepts elegant finishes that intensify its look many folds.
India Gate (Yellow, Red Sandstone & Granite)
India Gate is a popular tourist attraction in Delhi constructed on the Rajpath over a period of 10 years. The massive structure reaching 42 metres in height and 9.1 metres in width is one of the largest war memorials in India. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the iconic structure resembles Arc-de-Triomphe in France and Gateway of India in Mumbai. The names of over 13,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the Afghan war are inscribed on its walls. The entire structure is made of yellow and red sandstone that rises in steps into an enormous frame. Besides, granite has been used in the middle of a hexagonal complex. Also, a small structure named ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ comprises a marble pedestal with a cenotaph on the top.
A great variety of granite in different colours, textures and finishes are available at Quality Marble Exports (India), the leading granite exporters from India. Any granite variety you choose will give a palatial feel to your indoors and outdoors. Even if you wish to apply the stone to kitchen countertops, walls, facade, granite floor tiles, pathway or any other corner of the house, it can prove to be a long-lasting yet beautiful investment. Thanks to its sturdy composition and robust physical characteristics, granite is naturally built to withstand harsh weather.
Jaisalmer Fort (Yellow Sandstone)
Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is among the very few ‘living forts’ in a world where one-fourth of the city population dwells. Constructed in 1156 AD, the fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. Recognised as a World Heritage Site, the fortress consists of massive walls made of Yellow Sandstone. The beautiful natural stone appears tawny colour during the day and transforms into honey-gold colour through sunset. This phenomenon covers the entire fort into a yellow dessert that is extremely beautiful. Owing to its charm, Jaisalmer Fort is popularly called the ‘Sonar Quila’ that translates to Golden Fort.
Yellow Sandstone, one of the most favoured natural stone displays incredible physical strength and visual appeal. The sandstone variety comprises a range of stones with an attractive touch of red, brown, orange and beige. All of them are robust enough to be applied to roofs, walls, flooring, pavings, and outdoor landscape. Owing to its high water absorption capacity, the natural stone is ideal for sea-shore building.
Qutub Minar (Red Sandstone & White Marble)
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site of India, Qutub Minar in Delhi is the highest tower 
made of natural stone. 379 steps reach the apex of the minaret at a height of 72.5 metres. The complete tower is made of red sandstone and white marble with intriguing carvings and inscriptions on it. A closer look of the Minar shows intricate Arabic letters carved on red sandstone. The first three storeys of the monument are made of red sandstone while the last two are made of premium quality marble and sandstone.
Among all the natural stones, sandstone is one of the most used varieties in ancient Indian architecture. The stone reflects properties that make it perfect for carving. The stone can be cut into any shape desired. This was among the primary reasons for the rich application of sandstone. It can be easily used in applications such as pillars, arches, fountains, handicrafts, and other landscaping accessories. Today, natural stone enthusiasts use it to create indoor and outdoor furniture.
Dilwara Temples (White Marble)
Situated on a beautiful hill station, Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Dilwara Temples are one of those iconic monuments that present the incredible beauty of white marble. A pilgrimage site of Jains, the temples were built between the 11th and 13th century. All the structures inside the temple are made of high-quality White Marble. Elegant and intricate marble carvings can be found on its pillars, ceilings and doorways. The ceiling of the temples adorns extraordinary marble carvings of indefinable existence.
If grace, simplicity, and brightness are what you are looking for in your home, nothing but white marble is a perfect choice. White marble is a relatively strong and durable stone, that can be easily used as marble flooring and walls in the exteriors and interiors. Around the world, and throughout history, white marble has been applied to monuments to add timeless gracefulness.
Quality Marble Exports (India)- The Global Natural Stone Suppliers
Quality Marble Exports (India) is a reputed natural stone supplier with quarries that were once used to build the legendary monuments of the past. Being recognized marble suppliers, we export premium quality marble, granite, sandstone, and other natural stone varieties to match your indoor or outdoor space in the most magnificent manner. Whether you need it for flooring, kitchen countertops, fireplaces, fountains, showers, or walls, we have the ideal choice at the lowest price.
Select your natural stone and we will customise its appearance to fit the kind of look you desire!
