It is immense pleasure for me and Naveen to announce that India has won officially at the photo-contest Wiki Loves Monuments internationally. Two of the photos from India among 3,60,000+ have made it to the top-10.

1. Tomb of Safdarjung from Delhi has received from the highest ranking by the international jury, as the image wins first prize globally. The photo plays with the light and gives a wonderful contrast between the darkness of the room and the lighted tomb, giving it a dramatic effect. The photographer is Pranav Singh, from Delhi.

Safdarjung's Tomb, a garden tomb with a marble mausoleum in New Delhi, India. It was built in 1754 in the late Mughal Empire style, and was described as "the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture".

Comments from Jury: The strong light contrast between the lighted tomb and the darkness of the room emphasizes the monument, and gives it a dramatic component. The tomb is sharp and detailed, and free of visual distractions; with gravity and a perfect sense for the angle of view and light this picture presents the object - the architecture and light forming a stage for the tomb, focusing on the details of the stone carving. All in all a nicely framed and executed picture that seems to speak of the significance of this tomb.

2. The Taj Mahal is no where lying behind. The winning photo from India ranks 6th internationally. The photographer is Narender Kumar, again from Delhi.

The Taj Mahal, is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, that was built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the most famous Indian buildings and considered a symbol for love world wide.

Comments from Jury: The Taj Mahal is probably one of the most photographed monuments in the world - and definitely in this competition. This particular image gives an impressive view of the silhouette, showing also the adjoining buildings. The complex seems to wake up, out of the mist. It gives context and mystery at the same time showing just a bit more than on most pictures.

It's happy moment for the Indian community. Congratulations to all winners. Thanks to the entire Indian community and to the Wikimedia India Chapter for constant cooperation.

Official announcement: http://www.wikilovesmonuments.org/and-the-2012-winner-is/
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Monuments_2012_winners (2012 contest finalists)
Stats: More than 3,60,000 images was uploaded globally. 15,000 participants, most of them (2000+) were from India alone.