- Vitthala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
The famous stone chariot in the temple complex. Note that there used to be a structure on top of the chariot which is lost today
Photographed in 1856 by Col. Alexander Greenlaw, an officer in British East India Company. These are the first photos ever clicked of the site.
Today of course Hampi is a world renowned UNESCO Heritage site.
2. Rani Ki Vaav, Patan, Gujarat
The stepwell in 1940s
Rani Ki Vaav is a beautiful stepwell made in 11th Century by queen Udyamanti of the Solanki/Gujarat Chalukya Dynasty. The structure was buried in silt centuries ago due to flooding of the Saraswati River. The Vaav (Wow?) was excavated partly in 1940s and then completely in 1980s by the ASI.
Today the stepwell is a UNESCO world heritage site.
3. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
A lithography plate by James Fergusson, 1847. Note that part of the main shikhar was still standing uptil then
Photograph from 1890
The temple dedicated to the sun god is theorised to be damaged during the raids of Bengal Sultanate sometime between 15th and 17th century. The 16th century text, Ain-e-Akbari mentions the Konark Temple as a prosperous site which astonished its visitors.
Today the temple is a World Heritage Site
These are just a few examples of some famous reinvigorated ruins which I've personally visited. There are many such sites all over India that were in ruins just a 100 years ago. Unfortunately many heritage structures are still in bad condition today and are at risk of disappearing forever.
None of the pictures are mine.
Update: Today I visited another famous ruins near my city that is also a UNESCO World Heritage site:
4. Champaner, Gujarat
Jami Masjid in 1869
Nagina Masjid also in 1869
Champaner was the brand new capital of Gujarat Sultanate made by the Sultan in 1484. However just 50 years later the Sultanate was laid siege to by Mughal emperor Humayun who razed the city to the ground (except the mosques). Since then the city was in ruins for 3 centuries until it was rediscovered by British archeologists in 19th century.
Jami Masjid today