8 Hidden Architectural Gems in India That History Nearly Lost

18 April 2025

Gigantic rock-cut sculptures of Hindu gods, carved into a cliff between the 7th and 9th centuries, lie hidden in the hills of Tripura due to political unrest, dense forests, and poor connectivity.

1) Unakoti, Tripura Gigantic rock-cut sculptures of Hindu gods, carved into a cliff between the 7th and 9th centuries, lie hidden in the hills of Tripura due to political unrest, dense forests, and poor connectivity.

2) Rabdentse Ruins, Sikkim The forgotten second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim (17th century) lies in ruins, swallowed by the forest. Minimal tourism and lack of upkeep have made it obscure.

3) Maluti Temples, Jharkhand Built by the Baj Basanta dynasty, over 70 terracotta temples with stunning carvings remain largely unrecognised due to poor infrastructure and lack of awareness.

4) Bateshwar Temples, Madhya Pradesh An abandoned cluster of 200 temples, reclaimed from dacoits and jungle by archaeologist K.K. Muhammed, still remains off the radar, with many structures awaiting full restoration.

5) Masroor Rock Cut Temples, Himachal Pradesh These monolithic rock temples carved in the 8th century, similar to Ellora, are fading into obscurity due to remote location and lack of awareness.

6) Martand Sun Temple, Jammu & Kashmir An architectural masterpiece of the Karkota dynasty, the temple now lies in ruins, decaying over time due to neglect and repeated tremours.

7) Lakhpat Fort & Town, Gujarat Lakhpat, once a key coastal trade hub in the 18th century with 7km walls for defense, is now a ghost town, its fate sealed by earthquakes and a shifting river.

8) Bidar Fort, Karnataka A massive fort with Persian-inspired design and royal baths is now overshadowed by more popular heritage sites in the Deccan.