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Who Was Sir M. Visvesvaraya? | Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962), often called the Father of Modern Engineering in India, was one of the country’s most visionary engineers and administrators. He is best known for designing the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Karnataka, introducing pioneering flood protection systems, and driving industrial development as the Dewan of Mysore. For his nation-building work, he was knighted in 1915 and awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
2 / 9Engineering Marvels to Explore in India | 1. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha | A UNESCO World Heritage site, the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple is designed in the shape of a colossal stone chariot with intricately carved wheels and horses. Its alignment with the sunrise reflects the astronomical precision of ancient Indian architects. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
3 / 92. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu | Built in the 11th century by the Chola dynasty, this temple in Thanjavur features a towering granite dome weighing over 80 tonnes — placed atop without modern cranes. It stands as a testament to the engineering genius of ancient India. (Image: Canva)
4 / 93. Howrah Bridge, Kolkata | Spanning the Hooghly River, the Howrah Bridge is one of the world’s largest cantilever bridges. Opened in 1943, it carries millions of commuters daily and remains a living symbol of Kolkata’s identity and India’s engineering strength. (Image: Canva)
5 / 94. Chenab Railway Bridge, Jammu & Kashmir | Towering 359 metres above the Chenab River, this railway bridge is taller than the Eiffel Tower. Completed in 2022, it is the world’s highest railway bridge and a modern marvel of precision engineering in extreme terrain. (Image: PTI)
6 / 95. Bhakra Nangal Dam, Himachal Pradesh/Punjab | One of the highest gravity dams in the world, the Bhakra Nangal Dam was completed in the 1960s and played a key role in India’s Green Revolution. It provides irrigation, electricity, and flood control, making it a lifeline for millions. (Image: Canva)
7 / 96. Lotus Temple, Delhi | Shaped like a blooming lotus, this iconic temple opened in 1986 and is admired worldwide for its stunning architecture. Built of white marble and surrounded by landscaped gardens, it serves as a serene meditation and prayer hall open to people of all faiths. The design symbolises unity and harmony, making it one of Delhi’s most visited landmarks.
8 / 97. Statue of Unity, Gujarat | Standing 182 metres tall, the Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Completed in 2018, it combines modern construction techniques with cultural pride and has become a major tourist attraction in India.
9 / 98. Konkan Railway, Maharashtra–Goa–Karnataka | This 741-km railway route along India’s western coastline is an engineering masterpiece. With over 90 tunnels and 2,000 bridges, it overcame extreme terrain and now offers travellers some of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
