Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. A flight of 379 steps lead to the top. The diameter of the base is 14.3 m, while the top floor measures 2.75 m in diameter. Surrounding the building are many fine examples of Indian artwork. A second tower was in construction and planned to be taller than the Qutub Minar itself. Its construction ended abruptly when it was about 12 m tall. The name of this tower is given as Ala-i- Minar. Recent studies show that this structure is tilted in one direction. It is made of red sandstone all the way except for two stories at the top. This part is of white marble and was made by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. He had decided to put a prominent finish to the magnificent minar. Today, the adjoining area spread over 100 acres, with a host of old monuments, has been developed by Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The Mehrauli Archeological Park and INTACH has restored some 40 monuments in the park. The base of the iron pillar is tied to its foundations by small pieces of iron. It rises to a height of 7.20 m, with 93 cm buried below the floor level. It is a wonder that iron has not rusted despite the sixteen centuries that have passed since then. The pillar is an excellent example of advanced metallurgy of those times and is a marvel in itself. The metal of the pillar is identified to be almost pure malleable iron. However, the portion below the ground shows some signs of rusting at a very slow rate. It is said that a person who can encircle the entire column with their arms and back towards the pillar can have their wish granted. However, tourists are kept off from the pillar to avoid damage to this historical relic. At 72.5 m (234 ft), the Qutub Minar is the world's tallest free standing minaret. Inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan and wishing to surpass it, Qutb-ud-Din Aibak commenced construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193, but could only complete its base. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more stories. Then in 1386, Firoz Shah Tughluq constructed the fifth and the last story. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughluq is quite evident in the minaret. The Qutub Minar comprises several superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies carried on Muqarnas corbels. The minaret is made of fluted red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran. The Qutub Minar is itself built on the ruins of the Lal-Kot in the city of Dhillika. Dhillika is the capital of the Tomars and the Chauhans, the last Hindu rulers of Delhi. The complex initially housed 27 ancient Hindu and Jain temples, which were destroyed and their debris used to build the Qutub Minar. One engraving on the Qutub Minar reads, "Shri Vishwakarma prasade rachita" meaning ―Conceived with the grace of Vishwakarma‖. This is thought to have been engraved by the enslaved Hindu craftsmen who built the minar. Delhi Qutub Minar is made up of five stories, with the first three being made of red sandstone and the fourth and fifth ones being made up of both marble as well as sandstone. Each of the stories has a projecting balcony with their diameter ranging from 15 m at the base to 2.5 m at the top. There is a little disagreement over the origins of Qutab Minar of Delhi. One legend has it that it was built as a tower of victory to commemorate the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Another legend goes that it was built to serve as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. Delhi Qutub Minar is adorned with bands of inscriptions, along with four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets. However, the Kutub which was built in Afghan style underwent repairing and remaking for more than occasions. Revolving steps of flights are 367 in number in slightly leaned Kutub. It has some spl features- at its root the radius is being 14.40 m which gradually reduced at its top to 2.44 m. In Kupee language it has been inscribed on Kutub that-

The Tower was erected to cast the shadow of God over both Qutab Minar with a height of 72.5m (239ft), is the highest stone tower in India and has a diametre of 14.32 metres at the base and about 2.75 metres at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone and are heavily indented with different styles of fluting, alternately round and angular on the bottom floor, round on the second and angular on the third. The fourth and fifth floors are made of marble and sandstone. The decoration of the Qutab Minar is consistently Islamic in character from base to top; though the somewhat hybrid style of Firoz Shah's later additions is noticeably distinct. Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters are seen as wide encircling bands in the plain fluted masonry of the Minar. This inscriptions reveal the history of Qutub, from its commencement in AD1199 to its repairs in between.. There is a door on the northern side, leading inside the tower to a spiral stairway with 379 steps that winds its way up to the balcony in each floor and culminating in a platform at the top. The intricate balconies held together by stalactite vaulting technique and patterned with honey combing is a special feature of the minar

In 1198, he built the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which was later enlarged by Allaud-din Khilji and Shams ud Din Iltutmish in between the period of 1210 and 1235. The final construction of the minaret was done by Iltutmish.

The result of this combined effort is an interesting mix in styles that is clearly discernable all over the tower. Each of the original three storeys has different designs. The base storey has alternate angular and circular flutings while those of the second one are round and the third one has only angular flutings. Their alignment is mercifully similar, so giving the tower a rhythmic harmony. The pretty projecting balconies have a very interesting pattern, with icicle-shaped pendentive (an intricate design in which triangular pieces of vaulting spring from the corners of a rectangular area and support a rounded or polygonal dome) type of brackets. The attractiveness of the balconies is heightened by the bands of sonorous inscriptions. The diameter (at base) of the Qutub Minar is 14.32m and about 2.75m at the top.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutub_Minar Qutub Minar From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the brick minar. For the entire complex, see Qutub complex. Coordinates:

28.524355°N 77.185248°E

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar in Delhi, India

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Type

Cultural

Criteria

(iv)

Designated

1993 (17th session)

Reference No.

233

Country

Continent

India

Asia

Qutub Minar (English: The Qutub Tower; Urdu: ‫)م ی نار ق طب‬, also known as Qutb Minar and Qutab Minar, is the tallest minaret in India, originally an ancient Islamic Monument, inscribed with Arabic [1] inscriptions, though the iron pillar has some Brahmi inscriptions, and is a UNESCO World Heritage [2] Site. Located in Delhi, the Qutub Minar is made of red sandstone and marble. The tower has 379 [3] stairs, is 72.5 metres (237.8 ft) high, and has a base diameter of 14.3 metres, which narrows to 2.7 metres at the top storey. Construction was started in 1192 by Qutub-ud-din Aibakand was completed [4][5] by Iltutmish. It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, [1][6] collectively known as the Qutub complex. .

Contents [hide]

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1 Structure

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2 Media Use

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3 Qutub Tragedy

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4 Gallery

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5 See also

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6 References

Structure[edit] The Qutab Minar is made of red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an. Numerous inscriptions in Parso-Arabic and Nagari characters in different sections of the Qutub Minar reveal the history of its construction. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was [7] [citation needed] repaired by Firoz Shah Tughluq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517).

ASI plaque at Qutub Minar.

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, located at the northeast of Minar, was built by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak in AD [8] 1198. It is the earliest mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. Later, a coffee arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged by Shams ud Din Iltutmish (AD 1210-35) and Allaud - din Khilji. The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of the 4th century AD. According to this inscription, the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja (standard of Lord Vishnu) on the hill known as Krishnapada in memory of a mighty king named Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that an image of Garuda was probably affixed to it.

ASI plaque at Qutub Minar.

The Qutub Minar comprises several superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies carried on Muqarnas corbels. The Qutub Minar is itself built on the ruins of the Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the Tomars and the Chauhans, the [9] last Hindurulers of Delhi. One engraving on the Qutub Minar reads, "Shri Vishwakarma prasade rachita" (Conceived with the grace of Vishwakarma). The Qutub Minar was used as a watch tower. The earliest extant mosque was built by the Delhi Sultans. Some historians believe that the Qutub Minar was named after the first Turkic sultan (whose [10] descendant- Wajid Ali Shah-repaired it), Qutub-ud-din Aibak, but others contend that it was named [11] in honour of Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, a saint from Transoxiana who came to live in India and was [12] venerated by Iltutmish. The nearby Iron Pillar is a metallurgical curiosity, standing in the Qutub complex. According to the traditional belief, anyone who can encircle the entire column with their arms, while standing with their back against the pillar, can have their wish granted. Because of the corrosive qualities of sweat the government has built a fence around it for safety. The amalgamation of different metals with iron produces a high degree of smoothness.

The Iron Pillar in Qutub Minar, c. 1905

The Qutub Minar has been damaged by earthquakes and lightning strikes on several occasions but has been repaired and renovated by various rulers. During the rule of Firoz Shah, the minar's two top floors were damaged due to lightning but were repaired by Firoz Shah. In 1505, an earthquake struck

and it was repaired by Sikandar Lodi. Later in 1794, the minar suffered another earthquake and it was Major Smith, an engineer, who repaired the affected parts of the Qutub Minar. He replaced Firoz Shah's pavilion at the top of the tower with his own pavilion. This pavilion was removed in 1848 by Lord Hardinge and now stands between the Dak Bungalow and the Minar in the garden. The floors built by Firoz Shah can be distinguished easily as the pavilion was built of white marble and quite smooth compared to the others. Qutub Minar tilts just over 60 cm from the vertical, which is considered to be within safe limits, although experts have stated that monitoring is needed in case rainwater seepage further weakens [13] the foundation.

Qutub Tragedy[edit] Before 1981, the general public could climb to the top of Qutub Minar by climbing up the sevenstorey, narrow staircase. However, on 4 December 1981 an accident occurred when an electricity cut plunged the tower's staircase into darkness. Around 45 people were killed in the stampede that followed the electricity failure. Most of the victims were children because, before 1981, school children were allowed free access to historical monuments on Fridays, and many school groups were taking [15] advantage of this. Subsequently, public access has been forbidden.

http://india.saarctourism.org/qutubminar.html Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar, an architectural marvel of the 13th century, is located in Delhi, the capital of India. One of the most famous landmarks of Delhi, viewing it is trully an experience to relish. Qutub Minar complex monuments are listed in the UNESCO world heritage sites of India. Here is concise information about Qutub Minar in Delhi.

Qutub Minar Information Location

Delhi

Importance

Highest stone tower in India

Best Time to Visit

October to March

Diameter at Base

14.32 m

Diameter at Peak

2.75 m

Qutub

Complex

and

Architecture

Red sandstone is employed in the construction of Qutub Minar. Alternating angular and rounded flutings are the feature of Qutab Minar. Impressive calligraphy bedecks the adjacent edifices. All the five stories are marked by a projecting balcony. Verses from the Koran, holy book of Muslims, are deeply inscribed on Kutub Minar. Several other historically important building lie in the surrounding archaeological complex. These include Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the oldest in northern India and Alai-Darwaza Gate, considered the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art. Whole Qutub Minar complex is fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

Iron

Pillar

Iron Pillar in the Qutab Minar Complex harks back to the 5th century. It has faced the wear and tear of time successfully.

History Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak, the first sultan of Delhi, laid the foundation stones of Kutub Minar in AD 1199. Some historian opine that that the objective behind its construction was to give a platform to Mu'azzin to give calls for prayer. He was the one who raised the first storey. Then he died. The credit of completing the construction goes his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iitutmish, who also added three more stories to it. http://www.indianmonumentsportal.com/world-heritage-sites/qutub-minar.html

Qutub Minar Location:

15-km South Of New Delhi

Houses:

Quwwatu'l-Islam Mosque, The Iron Pillar, Alai Minar & Alai Darwaza

Architecture:

Afghan Architecture

Built By:

Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak

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Qutub-Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m.

Construction & Restoration Work Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Qutab Minar in AD 1199 for the use of Mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din IItutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the Minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first storey. Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters in different places of the Minar reveal the history of Qutb. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Firoz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517). Major R. Smith also repaired and restored the Qutub Minar in 1829. Attractions Within The Qutab Minar Complex Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the northeast of Minar was built by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak in AD 1198. It is the earliest extant -mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jain temples, which were demolished by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak as recorded in his inscription on the main eastern entrance. Later, a lofty arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged, by Shamsu'd- Din IItutmish (AD 121035) and Alau'd-Din Khalji. The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of 4th century AD, according to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja (standard of Lord Vishnu) on the hill known as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty king named Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it. The Tomb of IItutmish (AD 1211-36) was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square chamber of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and the whole of interior. Some of the motifs viz., the wheel, tassel, etc., are reminiscent of Hindu designs. Ala 'iDarwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Alau'd-Din Khalji in AH 710 (AD 1311) as recorded in the inscriptions engraved on it. This is the first building employing Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation. Alau'd-Din Khalji commenced Ala'i Minar, which stands to the north of Kutub-Minar, with the intention of making it twice the size of earlier Minar. He could complete only the first storey, which now has an extant height of 25 m. The other remains in the Qutab complex comprise Madrasa, graves, tombs, mosque and architectural members.

http://www.ijaunt.com/delhi/qutub-minar

Qutub Minar Introduction    

Qutub Minar is the highest tower in India and the world's tallest brick minaret. It is interesting to note that this complex lies amidst the ruins of ancient Hindu temples which were destroyed and their stones used to build it. The construction began in 1193 AD under India's first Muslim ruler Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The Qutub Minar is notable for being one of the earliest and most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as Qutub Complex. The complex is listed as a UNESCO

World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi. It was India's most visited monument in 2006. During 2006 the monument attracted 3.9 million visitors, much more than the Taj Mahal, which drew about 2.5 million visitors. Now you know why you should visit this tall structure.

Qutub Minar Attractions The Qutub Complex houses several attractions within its premises. The Tomb of Iltutmish: The Tomb of IItutmish was built in 1235 AD. It is a plain square chamber of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and interiors. Some of the motifs, the wheel and tassel are reminiscent of Hindu designs. Ala-i-Minar: The ambitious rubble Ala-i-Minar was started by Ala-ud-Din Khilji but the sultan lived to see it only to the height of 24.5m as nobody was ready to complete his over-ambitious project. It was built to match the enlarged Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid. Today parents use this as an example that when you get over ambitious, the plans remain unfinished. Ala-i-Darwaza: The southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, as extended by Ala-udDin Khilji, is known as the Ala-i-Darwaza. Its several inscriptions form an ornamental surface. It mentions the date of its erection as 710 A.H. (1311). Ala-ud-Din's Tomb and College: To the southwest of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque lie some rooms and halls in ruins making an L-shaped block. They are believed to represent Ala-ud-Din's tomb and college or Madrasa, which was started by him to impart instructions in Islamic theology and scriptures. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the northeast of the Minar was built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in 1198 AD. It is the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jain temples, which were demolished by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak as recorded in his inscription on the main eastern entrance. Later, a lofty arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged, by Shams-ud-Din IItutmish and Ala-ud-Din Khilji. The Iron Pillar: The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of 4th century AD, according to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja or standard of Lord Vishnu. It is on a hill and is known as Vishnupada in memory of King Chandragupta II (375-413) of the Gupta dynasty. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it. Situated in the courtyard of the Quwwat-ul-Islam, the Iron Pillar belongs to 4th century. It is enclosed in the Qutub Minar Complex. The Sanskrit inscription in Gupta script and the peculiar style of its 'Amalaka' capital confirms the date. It is said that the iron pillar was brought to Delhi by Anangpal, the Tomar king who founded Delhi.

Qutub Minar History At 72.5 m (234 ft), the Qutub Minar is the world's tallest free standing minaret. Inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan and wishing to surpass it, Qutb-ud-Din Aibak commenced construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193, but could only complete its base. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more stories. Then in 1386, Firoz Shah Tughluq constructed the fifth and the last story. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughluq is quite evident in the minaret. The Qutub Minar comprises several superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies carried on Muqarnas corbels. The minaret is made of fluted red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran. The Qutub Minar is itself built on the ruins of the Lal-Kot in the city of Dhillika. Dhillika is the capital of the Tomars and the

Chauhans, the last Hindu rulers of Delhi. The complex initially housed 27 ancient Hindu and Jain temples, which were destroyed and their debris used to build the Qutub Minar. One engraving on the Qutub Minar reads, "Shri Vishwakarma prasade rachita" meaning ―Conceived with the grace of Vishwakarma‖. This is thought to have been engraved by the enslaved Hindu craftsmen who built the minar. The purpose for building this monument has been variously speculated upon. It could take the usual role of a minaret, a tower of victory, a monument signifying the might of Islam or a watch tower for defense. Controversy also surrounds the origins for the name of the tower. Many historians believe that the Qutub Minar was named after the first Turkish sultan, Qutb-ud-din Aibak but others contend that it was named in honour of Qutb-ud-Din Bakhtiar Kaki, a saint from Transoxiana, who came to live in India and was greatly venerated by Iltutmish. The nearby Iron Pillar is one of the world's foremost metallurgical curiosities, standing in the famous Qutub Complex. Because of the corrosive qualities of sweat the government has built a fence around it for safety. The minar did receive some damage because of earthquakes on more than a couple of occasions but was reinstated and renovated by the respective rulers. During the rule of Firoz Shah, the minar's two top floors got damaged due to earthquake but later repaired by Firoz Shah. In the year 1505, earthquake again struck and it was repaired by Sikandar Lodi. In the year 1794, the minar faced another earthquake. This time Major Smith, an engineer, repaired the affected parts of the minar. He replaced Firoz Shah's pavilion with his own pavilion at the top. The pavilion was removed in the year 1848 by Lord Hardinge a nd now it can be seen between the Dak Bungalow and the minar in the garden. The floors built by Firoz Shah can be distinguished easily as the pavilion was built of white marbles and is quite smooth as compared to other ones. The Nagari and Persian inscriptions on the tower mention that lightning damaged it twice in 1326 and 1368.

Qutub Minar Architecture Qutub Minar has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. A flight of 379 steps lead to the top. The diameter of the base is 14.3 m, while the top floor measures 2.75 m in diameter. Surrounding the building are many fine examples of Indian artwork. A second tower was in construction and planned to be taller than the Qutub Minar itself. Its construction ended abruptly when it was about 12 m tall. The name of this tower is given as Ala-i- Minar. Recent studies show that this structure is tilted in one direction. It is made of red sandstone all the way except for two stories at the top. This part is of white marble and was made by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. He had decided to put a prominent finish to the magnificent minar. Today, the adjoining area spread over 100 acres, with a host of old monuments, has been developed by Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The Mehrauli Archeological Park and INTACH has restored some 40 monuments in the park. The base of the iron pillar is tied to its foundations by small pieces of iron. It rises to a height of 7.20 m, with 93 cm buried below the floor level. It is a wonder that iron has not rusted despite the sixteen centuries that have passed since then. The pillar is an excellent example of advanced metallurgy of those times and is a marvel in itself. The metal of the pillar is identified to be almost pure malleable iron. However, the portion below the ground shows some signs of rusting at a very slow rate. It is said that a person who can encircle the entire column with their arms and back towards the pillar can have their wish granted. However, tourists are kept off from the pillar to avoid damage to this historical relic. http://tripsguru.com/Monuments/Qutub%20Minar.html

Qutub Minar - कु तुब मीनार Monument Name

Qutub Minar

Location

Qutub Minar

State

Delhi

Timings

October to March Sunrise to Sunset

Coordinates

28.5256, 77.1854

Wikipedia Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutb_complex

Entrance Fee

Citizens of India - Rs. 10/- per head US $ 5 or Indian Rs. 250/- per head (children up to 15 years free.

Other Details

Built In 1193 (started) Built By Qutub-ud-din Aibak Significance: Highest stone tower in India

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The famous Qutab Minar of Delhi is a tower that claims the distinction of being the highest stone tower in the country. Said to be a tower of victory, it soars to a height of 73 m. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, after defeating Delhi's last Hindu kingdom, started the construction of this tower in the year 1193. Although Qutab-ud-din Aibak started the construction of the tower, he could not complete the monument during his lifetime. Later on, additions were made by his successors. Three stories were constructed by Iltutmush, while the fifth and the last two was the work of Firoz Shah Tughlak. Delhi Qutub Minar is made up of five stories, with the first three being made of red sandstone and the fourth and fifth ones being made up of both marble as well as sandstone. Each of the stories has a projecting balcony with their diameter ranging from 15 m at the base to 2.5 m at the top. There is a little disagreement over the origins of Qutab Minar of Delhi. One legend has it that it was built as a tower of victory to commemorate the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Another legend goes that it was built to serve as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer.

Delhi Qutub Minar is adorned with bands of inscriptions, along with four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets. There is also the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque of India, which stands at the base of the Qutab Minar. Inside the courtyard of the mosque stands a 7 m high iron pillar. It is believed that if you are able to encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be granted. Over the eastern gate, it is inscribed that the material to build it was acquired from demolishing twenty-seven Hindu temples. 13 km to the south of Connaught Circus at Lalkote of 8th century Tomor Rajputs, the 72.5 m high Victory Pillar stands as a victory stand of a Muslim King Kutub-ud-din-Aibak in India. At Kila Roy Pithora, on the dilapidated fort of the last Hindu king Prithwiraj, this victory stand was made like throne in Gajni. In 1199 Kutub-ud-Din started its construction and it was completed in 1236 by Iltutmish, the son-in-law of Kutub. However, there is a 2nd opinion. Some say, the construction came to an end around 1357-68 during the reign of Feroz Sah Tughlak. However, the Kutub which was built in Afghan style underwent repairing and remaking for more than occasions. Revolving steps of flights are 367 in number in slightly leaned Kutub. It has some spl features- at its root the radius is being 14.40 m which gradually reduced at its top to 2.44 m. In Kupee language it has been inscribed on Kutub that- The Tower was erected to cast the shadow of God over both East and West. Aayaat from Quran is also inscribed. At the foot of the Minar a Mosque was built in 1197. The 5 storeyed Qutub Minar is a remarkable instance of sculpture in India. The 1st floor made of sand stone by Kutub, the 2nd & 3rd floors made of sand stone by Iltutmis and the 4th and 5th in both sand stone and marble by Feroz Shah Tughlok in 1368. However, the earthquake of 1803 destroyed it , in 1829 British Major Robert Smith re-built the tomb. Later the tomb was brought down from the Minar and reset it in the garden beside. In 1981, some students died of stampade while on their way up the steps of flights. Since then, ascending 5th floor is forbidden and not more than a group of 4 at a time is permitted to ascent only upto 1st floor of Kutub. Recently, Kutub is enshrined with huge lighting.

Alai Darwaza- Southern Gateway to Qutub Complex The Alai Darwaza is amongst the most perfect specimens of the architecture of the Delhi Sultanate especially of the Khilji dynasty. Built in 1311 AD, it was part of Ala-ud-din Khilji's extension plan of the Quwaat-ul-Islam mosque on the northern, eastern and western sections. Alai Darwaza was one of the four grand gateways; the other three could not be completed because of Ala-ud-din's death. Alai Darwaza gives an idea of the grandiose Khilji plans; "nothing so ornate was done by them afterwards", wrote the historian Fergusson. The Alai Darwaza was completed in the first year of extension works at the Qutub mosque. The main structure consists of a single hall 34.5 feet inside and 56.5 feet outside. The domed ceiling rises to the height of 47 feet. The three doorways on the east, west and south are lofty pointed arches of the horseshoe type, which rise above the flanking side bays. The horse- shoe shaped arches were used for the first time in the Alai Darwaza. The northern entrance has more indigenous character since its arch is semi-circular. The proportions of the Alai Darwaza are extremely pleasing while the recessed corner arches of attractive 'horse shoe' form carrying a plain spherical dome over the square chamber are an especially happy solution of this universal constructional difficulty. The Alai Darwaza is the first true dome constructed in India. Earlier the attempts to make domes were not successful particularly the tomb of Iltutmish. The dome of the Alai Darwaza is a noteworthy achievement. The dome was constructed on highly scientific principles and has withstood ravages of time for more than six hundred and fifty years. A series of squinches of pointed shape, one recessed within the other, in the upper section of each angle of the hall, changes the square into an octagon and next the octagon into the circle of the dome with an interweaving sixteen-sided shaft formed by a bracket at each end of the octagon. Through fastidious application of geometrical principles, the load of the dome has been gracefully conveyed to the ground, from the circle to the sixteensided shaft, from the latter to the octagon and then to the four walls of the square chamber. The pointed shape of the squinches matches well the shape of the entrance arches. The plinth on each side is beautifully carved with floral and geometrical carved with floral and geometrical designs in both white marble and red sandstone, creating a superb polychrome effect. A single storeyied structure, it gives an impression of being double-storied from outside. The perforated, latticework window screens are set in the recessed windows on both sides of the entrances. These marble screens set off the monotony of vertical lines of calligraphic ornamentation. The most charming aspect of surface decoration is the lace-like interweaving of floral tendrils, repeated with a flawless symmetry on all the three entrances, elegantly designed and perfectly built. The northern entrance is semi-circular trefoil in its outline. The fa�ade is elaborately ornamented in sensuous carving

and patterns, so characteristic of the pre-Turkish days: the indigenous workman has been allowed to dictate. Indigenous artists and craftsmen made earlier structures but the Alai Darwaza shows the influence of the Seljukian art. The Seljuks had started fleeing Western Asia after Mongol invasions in the 12th century AD and had reached Delhi. The 'spear-head' embellishment on the three entrances is of particular importance in this regard. Also the surface ornamentation has been done with an eye for lavishness and detail. The Alai Darwaza stands isolated at the southern end of the Qutub complex. For a fuller view you have to go to the garden end near the boundary wall. With the Qutub Minar behind it, the Alai Darwaza appears a fitting part of the grand structures of the Sultanates. Ala-ud-din Khilji also extended the Quwwut-ul-Islam mosque to double the size of the mosque made by Qutub-ud-din Aibak. He also made the madrasa on the western side of the mosque for children to get education in Islamic studies. Ala-ud-din also planned to build a minar double in size of the Qutub Minar. He had started the work but was not able to complete it because of his death. Alai Minar can be seen in the Qutub complex, whose diameter of the base is much larger than that of Qutub Minar. One can imagine by just looking at it that how tall the building would have been had it been completed. The Qutab Minar is identified with Delhi, as the Leaning Tower is associated with the city of Pisa or the Eiffel Tower with Paris. It is not only an important tourist spot in Delhi, it is also an excellent example of early Islamic architecture in India. The area around Qutab Minar has a number of important monuments and together they constitute the Qutab complex.

Birth Of Indo-Islamic Architecture The Qutab Minar, apart from being a marvel in itself, is also significant for what it represents in the history of Indian culture. In many ways, the Qutab Minar, the first monument of Muslim rule in India, heralded the beginning of a new style of art and architecture that came to be known as the Indo-Islamic style. Indo-Islamic style is neither a local variant of Islamic art, nor a modification of Hindu art; it is an assimilation of both the styles, though not always in an equal degree. It is so because each region in India has its own form of Indo-Islamic architecture, which varies from place to place, and there is no standardization. On the other hand, Islamic art itself was a composite style, which had various Muslims influences-Turkish, Persian, and Arabic. Rulers from different parts of the Muslim world, who came to India and settled here, brought with them the artistic traditions of their regions. The intermingling of such traditions with local Indian practices resulted in different examples of Indo-Islamic art. In Delhi, Islamic influences dominated while in the Deccan, local styles were more prominent in the buildings. In Bengal, the indigenous practice of using bricks for building was adopted and the monuments were richly decorated with chiseled and molded decorations typical of Hindu temples. This amalgamation of exotic and indigenous architectural styles was possible due to a variety or factors-the Muslim rulers had to use, in most cases, Indian craftsmen and sculptors who were schooled in their own art traditions. Another factor that inadvertently contributed to this fusion of style was that during the early Muslim invasions, mosques were often built out of materials from Hindu and Jain temples and sometimes temples themselves were modified into mosques. Though both the Indian and Islamic styles have their own distinctive features, some common characteristics made fusion and adaptation easy. Both the styles favor ornamentation and buildings of both styles are marked by the presence of an open court encompassed by chambers or colonnades. The Qutab Minar and the other buildings surrounding it are fine examples of the Delhi style of Indo-Islamic art and architecture. Most of these edifices were the first of their kind in India, be they mausoleums, mosques or madrassas (theological colleges). However, there are a number of monuments within the Qutab complex apart from the Qutab Minar. The Quuwat-ul-Islam Mosque was the first mosque to be built in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Slave dynasty, used parts of 27 Jain and Hindu temples to build it. Both Indian and Islamic features are present. The mosque

is in ruins today, but one can see indigenous corbelled arches, floral motifs, as well as Islamic practices such as squinches (setting arches diagonally to a square to support a dome), calligraphy, and geometric patterns. To the west of the Quuwat-ul-Islam mosque is another remarkable building-the Tomb of Iltutmish, which was built by the monarch himself in 1235. This building was definitely a departure from the norm, for the concept of building huge mausoleums was new. The rather plain exterior conceals an interior with many interesting examples of the Indo-Islamic style. There is a fusion of Indian and Islamic decorative motifs-the lotus and the wheel belonging to the former tradition and geometric arabesque patterns and calligraphy from the latter genre. The dome no longer exist as it has collapsedthe corbelled squinches testify to an early amalgamation that went wrong, a flaw that characterizes early Indo-Islamic architecture. Any write-up on the Qutab Minar will be incomplete without mentioning the 4th-century Iron Pillar, 7.2 m high, and 37 cm in diameter, which stands in the courtyard of the Quuwat-ul-Islam mosque. This pillar, with its distinctly Hindu inscriptions from the Gupta period, is said to have been transported here, but its origins remain a mystery. Another mystifying factor is that despite being exposed to the elements, the pillar has remained rust-free. According to popular belief, anyone who stands with his back to the pillar and encircles it with his arms will have his wish granted. One can see visitors to the Qutab Minar trying their luck at the pillar.

Other Monuments Later monuments in this complex include the Alai Darwaza and the Alai Minar built by Ala-ud-din Khilji (1296-1316). The Alai Darwaza is a magnificent gateway with inlaid marble decorations and latticed stone screens that display the remarkable artistry of the Turkish artisans who worked on it. The Alai Minar was conceived of as a greater tower than the Qutab Minar, but its construction was abandoned after the completion of the 24.5-m-high first story. The other tombs in the Qutab complex include those of Ala-ud-din-Khilji, Imam Zambian, a Sufi saint from Turkestan who came to India during the reign of Sikandar Lodi (1488-1517) and Muhammad Quli Khan, one of Akbar's courtiers. Also nearby are Ala-ud-din Khilji's mausoleum and a madrassa. The Qutab Complex, incidentally, is built on the ruins of Lal Kot in the city of Dillika, the capital of the Rajput Tomars and the Chauhans, who were the last Hindu rulers of Delhi. The Qutab complex is thus symbolic of Delhi's ability to assimilate, integrate, and yet come up with something new and remarkable. This is further borne out by the fact that since the medieval times, seven different cities of Delhi have sprung up and today's Delhi is a fusion of all these cities. The Qutab Minar is a living testimony to Delhi's hoary past. Qutab Minar, the 239ft sandstone tower is an Indo-Islamic architectural wonder of ancient India. This magnificent tower of victory stands in the Qutab Complex located at Aurabindo Marg, near Mehrauli, 14 Km south of Connaught place in Delhi. The complex has a number of other important monuments- the gateway built in 1310, the Alai Darwaza, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque; one of the oldest existing mosques in India, the tombs of Altamish, Alauddin Khalji and Imam Zamin; the 2000 year old 7m high Iron Pillar- the Alai Minar; another tower 27m high, the Madrasa or School, great screen of Qutbuddin Aibak in the mosque etc. King Qutubuddin Aibak of Slave dynasty laid the foundation of the Qutab Minar in 1199, adjoining the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, to proclaim the victory of Islam, after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. It was the Afghan, Muhammad of Ghur who ousted the last Hindu king Prithviraj Chauhan in AD 1192, but he returned to his country leaving Qutbuddin Aibak as his viceroy. In 1206, on his masters death, Aibak crowned himself as the Sultan of Delhi. The word 'Qutab Minar' means 'axis minaret'. The tower which dominates the countryside for miles around has five storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The tower was built in three stages. Qutab-ud-Din completed the first storey. Second, third and the fourth were completed by his successor and son-in -law, Illtutmish in 1230. The minar was first struck by lightening in AD 1368 and the fallen top storey was replaced by two storeys's, the fourth and the fifth in 1370 AD by Feroz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88). Qutab Minar with a height of 72.5m (239ft), is the highest stone tower in India and has a diametre of 14.32 metres at the base and about 2.75 metres at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone and are heavily indented with different styles of fluting, alternately round and angular on the bottom floor, round on the second and angular on the third. The fourth and fifth floors are made of marble and sandstone.

The decoration of the Qutab Minar is consistently Islamic in character from base to top; though the somewhat hybrid style of Firoz Shah's later additions is noticeably distinct. Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters are seen as wide encircling bands in the plain fluted masonry of the Minar. This inscriptions reveal the history of Qutub, from its commencement in AD1199 to its repairs in between.. There is a door on the northern side, leading inside the tower to a spiral stairway with 379 steps that winds its way up to the balcony in each floor and culminating in a platform at the top. The intricate balconies held together by stalactite vaulting technique and patterned with honey combing is a special feature of the minar. The minar has survived a series of lightening bolts and earthquakes during the past centuries. After the first lighting strike way back in AD1368 knocking off the top storey and two floors replaced instead, by Firoz Shah Tuglaq, inscriptions indicate that further repairs were done by Sultan Sikander Lodi in 1503. Later in 1803, the cupola on the top was thrown down and the whole pillar was seriously injured by an earthquake. It was repaired by Major R. Smith of the Royal Engineers who restored the Qutub Minar in 1829 replacing the cupola with a Bengal style chhattri. The chhattri was removed in 1848, by the Viceroy Lord Hardinge as it was criticized as not keeping in with the architectural style of the rest of the minar. Now it stands to the left of the entry path and is known as Smith's folly. Today, this impressively ornate tower has a slight tilt, but otherwise has worn the centuries remarkably well. The staircase inside the tower to the balconies has been closed following an accident in early 1980's when a party of school girls panicked when the lights failed and a stampede led to a number of deaths. This great victory minar (tower) was erected in 1199 by Qutb-ud-din, a Turkish general who succeded his master Muhammad Ghuri as the Turkish Sultan of Delhi. Only the first course of masonry is due to Qutb-ud-din, who did not live long to enjoy his power; the remaining four storys were constructed by his successors. Qutb-Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honey-comb design, more conspicuously in the first storey. Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters in different places of the minar reveal the history of Qutb. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517). Major R.Smith also repaired and restored the minar in 1829. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the north-east of minar was built by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak in AD 1198. It is the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jaina temples which were demolished by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak as recorded in his inscription on the main eastern entrance. Later, a lofty arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged by Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1210-35) and Alau'd-Din Khalji. The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of fourth century AD, according to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja (standard of god Vishnu) on the hill known as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty king named Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it. The tomb of Iltutmish (AD 1211-36) was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square chamber of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and the whole of interior. Some of the motifs viz., the wheel, tassel etc., are reminiscent of Hindu designs. Ala'i-Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Alau'd-Din Khalji in AH 710 (AD 1311) as recorded in the inscriptions engraved on it. This is the first building employing Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation. Ala'i Minar which stands to the north of Qutb-Minar, was commenced by Alau'd-Din Khalji, with the intention of making it twice the size of earlier Minar. He could complete only the first storey which now has an extant height of 25 m. The

other remains in the Qutb complex comprise madrasa, graves, tombs, mosque and architectural members. The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan's successor and son-inlaw, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Minar is tapering with the diameter of the base is 14.3 m while at the top floor it is2.7 m. The Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. It is made of red and buff sandstone. Aibak constructed the first floor and the tree more storeys were added by Iltutmish. All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the Minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first storey. The first storey and its balcony have the curved and fluted design. The second storey has only curved design while the third storey has only fluted design. The Qutub Minar is decorated with floral motif and arabesque. The inscriptions on the surface of the Minar suggest that Firoz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517) repaired it. Firoz Shah renovated the top floor and added marble to the building. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in AD 1198. It is the earliest mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jain temples. These temples were demolished in order to construct the mosque. The Qutub Minar was probably built as a minar for the purpose of azaan by the muezzin. A lofty arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged by Iltutmish and Ala-ud-Din Khalji With in the mosque complex is the Iron Pillar, which dates back to 4th century AD. The pillar bears an inscription, which states that it was erected as a flagstaff in honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II (BC375-413). The pillar also highlights ancient India's achievements in metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. The Tomb of IItutmish was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square chamber made of red sandstone. It is profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and the whole of interior. It s said that it earlier had a dome, which fell down because the walls could not bear its weight. Tour to Qutab Minar, Delhi Alai Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Ala-ud-Din Khalji in AD 1311. The gateway is the example of the use of horseshoe arch and true dome for the first time. This is the first building, which employed Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation. Ala-ud-Din Khalji built a madrasa towards the southwest of Qutub Minar to impart religious education to the children. He also commenced the construction of the Alai Minar with the intention of making it twice the size of earlier minar. It is to the north of Qutub Minar. He could complete only the first storey, which now has an extant height of 25 m. The other remains in the Qutub complex comprise Madrasa, graves, tombs, mosque and architectural members. The Qutub Complex is a fine example of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The artists employed by Aibak and Iltutmish was Hindus and the raw material was also obtained from existing Hindu and Jain temples. The figures carved on the pillars were disfigured by them because it depiction of human and animal figures is not allowed in Islam. By the time Ala-ud-Din Came to power Muslim rule was established in the country and there were many artists who have come from the Central Asia. Thus the difference in the buildings of the period of Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, Iltutmish and Ala-udDin Khalji is prominent. The buildings of the Qutub Complex are listed in the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in India.

Constructed as a Holy Minar Qutub MinarThe world famous towering Qutub Minar, started in 1192 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak (1192-98), breathes down the neck of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. There is a slight difference of opinion as to its purpose: it probably was a tower of victory, but then again it could have been built to be a minar (tower), attached to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, for the muezzin (priest) to climb up top for a prayer.

Other Belief of Its Construction Among Delhites there are lots of other theories about the origin of the tower. Some say it was the observatory of the great scientist Aryabhatta of ancient India, other claim that it was built by Prithvi Chauhan for his daughter to see the Yamuna. In fact everything short of an extraterrestrial origin has been attributed to it. The presence of the ancient nonrusting Iron Pillar within the complex further appears to add credence to the first theory. However the tower, its entire design and architecture are undisputedly Islamic and all the other theories are just matters of wild surmise.

Considering how shortchanged he was for time, it is doubtful that Qutub-ud-din got much further than a couple of levels of the minar, in fact many suggest that lived to see only the first storey complete. Altamash, his successor, completed the remaining tower.

Measures Taken To Keep The Minar In Perfect Shape It is clear that the tower was very close to the sultanate's heart, since repeated efforts were made to keep it in perfect shape. In its long career, the tower got hit by lightening twice something that, of course, with its height it was literally asking for. Once during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, who very decently repaired the ensuing damage. The next time was in the indefatigable builder Feroze Shah Tughlaq's time, when the topmost storey got damaged. Feroze Shah, who of course couldn't well leave things alone, not only repaired the floor, but also sneaked in another level. The result of this combined effort is an interesting mix in styles that is clearly discernable all over the tower. Each of the original three storeys has different designs. The base storey has alternate angular and circular flutings while those of the second one are round and the third one has only angular flutings. Their alignment is mercifully similar, so giving the tower a rhythmic harmony. The pretty projecting balconies have a very interesting pattern, with icicle-shaped pendentive (an intricate design in which triangular pieces of vaulting spring from the corners of a rectangular area and support a rounded or polygonal dome) type of brackets. The attractiveness of the balconies is heightened by the bands of sonorous inscriptions. The diameter (at base) of the Qutub Minar is 14.32m and about 2.75m at the top.

The Attraction of Crownig Cupola The tower had a crowning cupola on the top at one time, however this was struck down sometime in the early 19th century, an earthquake felled it. This was replced by a well meaning English engineer Major Smith. However it must have looked quite an eyesore for when Lord Hardinge was Governor-general of British India, he had it removed. You can see it now on the spruce lawns of the Qutub complex. Come to think of it, it must have been eyesore it's called Smith�s folly. The word 'Qutub' itself,means 'pole of justice.' The Qutub Minar made of red sandstone rising to the height of 72.5mts is an architectural marvel of the 13th century. It is situated in Delhi. It is constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori over the Rajputs and was completed in the 13th century by his successors. The structure was also probably built as a Minar,or place to call the faithful to prayer. It is often viewed as a symbol of the military might of the Turko-Afghan dynasty and Islam. The Minar rises over 230 feet (72.5 meters) and the 379 stepped circular stairway leads to a spectacular view of the city. The monument's diameter tapers from 14.3 meters at the base to 2.7 meters at the top,which creates the illusion of increased height. The tower has five distinct stories,separated by balconies. The first three stories are made of red sandstone,but when lightning knocked off the fourth in 1368,it was restored by Firoz Shah Tughlaq,who added a fourth and fifth story of marble and sandstone. The walls of the minar are intricately carved and inscribed with verses from the Koran.

How to get there The Qutab Minar is easily accessible from all parts of Delhi. This monument is located at Mehrauli in the southern part of the city. Tourists can take local buses from various points within the city or, alternatively, they can hire autorickshaws and taxis. There are regular bus services from the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmere Gate and Connaught Place to Mehrauli. Local guided tours, conducted by Delhi Tourism and private operators, cover this important monument.

Air Delhi is the main gateway city for northern India with a modern airport. All major international airlines in the world fly through Delhi. Indira Gandhi International Airport is located at 23km southwest of Central Delhi and the domestic terminal at Palam is 5km away from the international terminal. Taxi and coach transfer is available from both International and Domestic Arrivals. Pre-paid Taxi (a service with journey fare paid at the booking counter), air-conditioned and non- air-conditioned coach counters are located immediately outside the customs Hall in International Terminal and outside Baggage Claim area in Domestic Arrivals. Airport Coach (non-airconditioned) is operated by Delhi Transport Corporation (via Connaught Place and Railway Stations) to Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Kashmiri Gate and by Ex- Servicemen's Airlink Transport Service to Connaught Place. The coach covers all major hotels enroute.

Rail Delhi is the hub of the Indian Railways network with Express trains to all parts of the country. The city has two major railway stations in Delhi and Old Delhi. Delhi station is within walking distance of Connaught Place and Main Delhi station is about 7km from Connaught Place. Delhi offers Express trains to all parts of the country. For the foreigners, tickets are available at the International Tourist Bureau (Ph: 011-3346804), located at Delhi station. The main ticket office is at the IRCA building on Chelmsford Road, Pahar Ganj, between Delhi station and Connaught Place. Shatabdi Express air-conditioned fast tourist train operates to Bhopal (via Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi), Lucknow (via Kanpur) and Chandigarh, provides access to some of the neighboring tourist centres.

Bus Buses from all the major places in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting to Delhi. During the summer months, air-conditioned coaches are recommended. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates special services from railway stations to different parts of the city.

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http://www.delhitourism.gov.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/qutab_minar.jsp

Qutab Minar

Location: Mehrauli Nearest

Metro

Station:

Qutab

Minar

Open: All

days

Entry

Fee:

10

(Indians),

250

(foreigners) Days

Closed: None

Photography Charges:---

Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your

back

to

it

your

wish

will

be

fulfilled.

The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins

to

call

the

faithful

to

prayer.

No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction

of

the

Qutab

His successor, Iltutmush, Tughlak constructed

Minar added the

in

1200

three fifth

AD,

more

but

could

storeys, and

only and the

finish in

the

basement.

1368,Firoz last

Shah storey.

The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak is quite evident in the minar. The

relief work and even the materials used for construction differ. The 238 feet Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets. Even though in ruins, the Quwwat Ui Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab complex is one of the most magnificent structures in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak started its construction in 1193 and the mosque

was

completed

in

1197.

Iltutmush in 1230 and Alla-ud-din Khilji in 1315 made additions to the building. The main mosque comprises of an inner and outer courtyard,decorated with shafts and surrounded by piller. Most of these shafts are from the 27 Hindu temples, which were plundered to construct the mosque. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation. Close to the mosque is one of Delhi's most curious antiques, the Iron Pillar.

http://www.delhicapital.com/monuments-in-delhi/qutub-minar.html

QUTUB MINAR: THE TALLEST MONUMENT IN INDIA

The tall and ever attractive monument of Delhi which can be seen from most parts of the city is called the Qutab Minar. Every body has the same question when one sees the structure for the first time. The question that is often being put up is "Why the monument is that big?" or "Was there any specific reason to build such a tall building or it was just a wish of the person who built it?" Well, the exact reason is assumed to have something related to commemorating the victory. Mughals used to build victory towers to proclaim and celebrate victories. Some say the minaret was used to offer prayer but it is so tall that you can hear the person standing on the top. Also, the minaret is not joined on to Qutuddin's mosque and the Iltutmish's mosque. Qutab Minar is among the tallest and famous towers in the world. The minaret is 234 feet high and the highest individual tower in the world. Other towers in the world are the Great Pagoda in Pekin, China and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy but these towers are not as high as the Qutab Minar in Delhi. According to history books, the minar was started by Prithviraj or his uncle Vigraharaja who won Delhi from the Tomar Rajputs. However, it is assumed and historians believe that Qutubuddib and Iltutmish finished it though the minar may have been commenced by Prithviraj or Vigraharaja. The minar was completed in 1200 A.D and since then the tall structure has been there upright and ever beautiful keeping an eye to Delhi just like a sentry. When Alauddin returned from the wars in the Deccan, he had this thought in mind that he would build a victory tower somewhat similar to the Qutab Minar. The ruins of this very initiative can be seen adjacent to the Qutbuddin's mosque because Alauddin died at the very start of the construction work and no one carried on to finish the initiative taken by Alauddin. Qutab Minar is another great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. It has a number of floors or storeys which has beautiful carvings like the one on the tomb of Iltutmish. There are inscriptions all round the tower and these inscriptions reveal that Iltutmish finised the tower. The structure of the wall is made as such that it widens from top to bottom, just to make the minar stronger. Moving upstairs inside the minar will give you a wonderful experience and counting the stairs is always a fun for visitors. It has 378 steps which takes good amount of energy to reach at the top. The top of the tower gives aninsight to Delhi because you get to see the bird's eye view of the city. To point a few sight seeing from the top, you will find views of the Hauz Khaz on the left and the walls of the Jahanpanah and Siri on the right. It was this very top of Qutab Minar that was used by Khilji and Tughlaq kings to watch the wild Mongol hordes when they threatened Delhi. The top also served as the watch top for Tughlaq who watched Timur's army camp on the Wellingdon Airport. Other important monuments that is visible from the top are the walls of Tughlaqabad,Humayun's Tomb, Purana Qila, Firoz Shah Kotla and Jama Masjid. The minar did receive some damage because of earthquakes on more than a couple of occasions but was reinstated and renovated by the respective rulers. During the rule of Firoz Shah, the minar's two top floors got damaged due to earthquake but were repaired by Firoz Shah. In the year 1505, earthquake again struck and it was repaired by Sikandar Lodi. Later on in the year 1794, the minar faced another earthquake and it was Major Smith, an engineer who repaired the affected parts of the minar. He replaced Firoz Shah's pavilion with his

own pavilion at the top. The pavilion was removed in the year 1848 by Lord Hardinge and now it can be seen between the Dak Bungalow and the Minar in the garden. The floors built by Firaz Shah can be distinguished easily as the pavilions was built of white marbles and are quite smooth as compared to other ones. The minar is not that erect as it used to be because of wears and tears over the past several years. Closely looking at the mina rives you an idea that it is somewhat tilled towards one side. The minar is very sincerely looked after by the authorities much like the same as other historic monuments in the country.

http://www.natgeotraveller.in/magazine/navigate/qutub-minar

QUTUB MINAR By Azeem Banatwalla

Qutub Minar Tarun Chopra/flickr/getty imagesStanding tall in its red and buff sandstone glory, the Qutub Minar is symbolic of the biggest power shift in Delhi’s history. In the 12th century, Mohammad Ghori ousted the Rajputs and his successor, Qutub-ud-din Aibak laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate.

This victory reshaped the city’s culture and architecture and this sky-scraping minaret was soon built to commemorate it. Whether it was used as a watchtower, or by the muezzin to summon the faithful to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque next-door, the Qutub Minar remains one of Delhi’s most treasured monuments, receiving close to three million visitors a year. How High It is 72.5 m tall, with a base diameter of 14.3m. It tapers to about 2.7 m at the top. Name Game Some believe it was named after Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who started its construction in 1202. Others claim it is named for Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiar Kaki, a Sufi saint greatly respected by Aibak’s successor Iltutmish. Leaning The Qutub Minar has gradually developed a tilt of approximately 25 inches southwest.

Tall Storey The Qutub Minar originally had five levels. Firoz Shah Tughlaq added a cupola on top, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1803. There are 379 steps leading to the top. Each storey has a balcony that encircles the tower. However, because of a fatal stampede in 1981, visitors are not allowed inside anymore. Inscribed The outer walls of the structure are inscribed with Arabic and Nagori characters. Some of these are verses from the Quran, while others tell of the tower’s history, and describe the changes and renovations made through the ages. Ambition In the early 13th century, Alauddin Khilji planned to build a tower nearby called the Alai Minar, twice as high as the existing minaret. However, only about 25 m had been constructed, when he died. With nobody else sharing his ambition, the Alai Minar ascended no further. Wishful Thinking There is a seven-metre-tall pure iron pillar in the courtyard of the mosque next door to the Qutub Minar. It hasn’t rusted in the slightest, mystifying scientists and metallurgists. Although it has now been cordoned off, it is believed that any wish you make will be fulfilled if you rest your back against the pillar and wrap your arms around it. http://www.indovacation.net/Qutub_Minar_delhi.htm

History of Kutub Minar http://historyinworld.blogspot.in/2011/07/qutub-minar-history_13.html

Qutub Minar-History

Qutub-Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m. Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Qutab Minar in AD 1199. The minar was said to have been built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori, the invader from Afghanistan, over the Rajputs in 1192. He raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din IItutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the Minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first storey. Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters in different places of the Minar reveal the history of Qutb. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Firoz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517). Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the northeast of Minar was built by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak in AD 1198. It is the earliest mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jain temples, which were demolished by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak as recorded in his inscription on

the main eastern entrance. Later, a lofty arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged, by Shamsu'd- Din IItutmish (AD 1210-35) and Alau'd-Din Khalji. The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of 4th century AD, according to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja (standard of Lord Vishnu) on the hill known as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty king named Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it. The Tomb of IItutmish (AD 1211-36) was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square chamber of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic

tradition on the entrances and the whole of interior. Some of the motifs viz., the wheel, tassel, etc., are reminiscent of Hindu designs. Ala 'i- Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ulIslam mosque was constructed by Alau'd-Din Khalji in AH 710 (AD 1311) as recorded in the inscriptions engraved on it. This is the first building employing Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation. Alau'd-Din Khalji commenced Ala'i Minar, which stands to the north of Kutub-Minar, with the intention of making it twice the size of earlier Minar. He could complete only the first storey, which now has an extant height of 25 m. The other remains in the Qutab complex comprise Madrasa, graves, tombs, mosque and architectural members. http://www.qutubminar.org.in/history.htm

History Introduction: It is a well known fact that qutub minar history started with the Muslim rule in India. There are multiple facets of the building which was built in the year 11197 with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. The base of the tower is said to be more than 10 meters in circumference and it gradually transforms into a cone with the increase in height. Information about qutub minar states that it required 20 years to complete the structure and attracted large number of devotees in its fold to offer prayers in an impeccable manner. Teachings of Quran are imprinted on the walls of the structure in an amazing style and would go a long way in delivering beautiful results to the users. The historians are of the view that it is still the tallest building which is entirely made of stones in an impeccable manner. Iltutmush, who was the Sultan of the Turkish Dynasty, was able to accomplish the task of completing the structure in an amazing manner. Alauddin one of the most famous conquerors, is credited with founding the Siri city which was quite near to Delhi. Gradually, over a period time it was converted into ruins and lies in a dilapidated state in the modern era. Hauz Khas was a well which was created to create an efficient supply of water into the city. Alauddin ran an efficient administration in the city and was a very popular Sultan. According to the travelers of the yester years, Delhi was considered to be equal in grandeur with Baghdad and the great Cairo in Egypt. Tourists who arrive in great numbers could have a sneak preview of the zafar mahal which is an amazing monument. One of the most important tombs is the zamali kamali which was constructed in the medieval period. Qutub minarhistory is replete with facts which state that many kingdoms were vanquished and new ones rose from the ruins in an impeccable manner. Restoration work was carried out by the subsequent emperors in the 14 the century because the tombs were destroyed by the lightning that frequently struck and damaged the Quran inscriptions. It is a well known fact that qutub minar suffered minor problems during the reign of the Tughlaq dynasty, however the emperors undertook the restoration work completely renovated it in an impeccable manner. According to the information about qutub minar the monument faced a barrage of lightning by the end of the 14 the century. Firoz Tughlaq undertook restoration work in an impeccable manner. The monument faced numerous problems because the stones were not able to withstand changing weather. Sikandar Lodhi, one of the most prominent sultans also undertook renovation of the structure and ensured longevity of the building in an impeccable manner. Due to the natural calamity, top floor suffered huge destruction which was restored by the Feroze Tughlaq who undertook various construction projects in an impeccable manner. Marble was used in abundance because it helped to make the monument into a wonderful building. Whiteness along with natural splendor provided amazing ambience in an impeccable style. Due to the different styles of architectures used, the floors are designed according to the requirements and specifications of various emperors. Some of them had flutes which are typical of the Afghani style persistent in the 12th century A.D. With passage of time, people realized the importance of marbles that became an integral part of the materials used in the construction of different monuments. According to the Qutub minar history, the minaret was built by the Rajput King Chauhan for his wife, so that she could pray while facing the great Yamuna River located near Delhi. According to the historians, the monument depicts an Islamic style which was prevalent in the era. Many craftsmen who were

Hindus worked tirelessly to build the great Minar. Archeologists have found remnants of Devanagri scripts as evidences which reinstate the above mentioned fact in an impeccable manner.Cupola one of the most important components, was destroyed in the 18th century when an earthquake struck Delhi and caused widespread catastrophe. Major Smith who worked in the British Indian army worked tirelessly to install a new cupola in an amicable manner. A wonderful Masjid is built near theminar in an impeccable manner. It is a huge building which provided amazing ambience to the users in the past for offering prayesr to the God. The stones of the temples were used to build the mosques in a wonderful style which is regarded as one of the most important architectures in medieval period. It is a well known fact that mosque was built by the Aibak who was the first slave sultan. Once can also view the iron pillar which is located near the tower and it dates back to the era of Gupta Dynasty. It comprises of a structure which is made of durable iron and also comprised of the statue of legendary bird called Garuda. It is an amazing piece of architecture which has captivated imagination of people in a wonderful manner. As per information about qutub minar, the pillar was built in the 4th century and is a testimony to the fact that prosperity existed in those times. There are other facets of the Islamic architecture providing comprehensive information to the tourists who arrive at this place in huge numbers. Anangpal who was a very famous king of Tomar dynasty played a very important role in founding Delhi which later became the capital of India.

http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_qutbminar.asp

World Heritage Sites - Qutb Minar Qutb Minar and its Monuments (1993), Delhi

Qutb-Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honey-comb design, more conspicuously in the first storey. Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters in different places of the minar reveal the history of Qutb. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517). Major R.Smith also repaired and restored the minar in 1829. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the north-east of minar was built by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak in AD 1198. It is the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jaina temples which were demolished by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak as recorded in his inscription on the main eastern entrance.

Later, a lofty arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged by Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1210-35) and Alau'd-Din Khalji. The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of fourth century AD, according to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja (standard of god Vishnu) on the hill known as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty king named Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it.

The tomb of Iltutmish (AD 1211-36) was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square chamber of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and the whole of interior. Some of the motifs viz., the wheel, tassel etc., are reminiscent of Hindu designs. Ala'i-Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Alau'd-Din Khalji in AH 710 (AD 1311) as recorded in the inscriptions engraved on it. This is the first building employing Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation.

Ala'i Minar which stands to the north of Qutb-Minar, was commenced by Alau'd-Din Khalji, with the intention of making it twice the size of earlier Minar. He could complete only the first storey which now has an extant height of 25 m. The other remains in the Qutb complex comprise madrasa, graves, tombs, mosque and architectural members.

http://www.focusdelhi.com/travel/qutub-minar.html Qutub Minar, the pride of Delhi, is one of the heritage sites in the world as declared by UNESCO. This majestic tower is the tallest brick monument of the world. Surrounded by numerous ancient as well as medieval architectural constructions, the site is even known as Qutub complex, which attracts tourists from all over the world. This complex houses the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the earliest mosque that was built by the Sultans of Delhi and the famous Iron Pillar.

History of Qutub Minar Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Afghan emperor of Delhi initiated the construction of Qutub Minar in the year 1193, after getting inspired by Afghanistan‘s Minaret of Jam. The minar was built to celebrate Muhammad Ghori‘s

victory over the Rajputs. In 1198, he built the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which was later enlarged by Allaud-din Khilji and Shams ud Din Iltutmish in between the period of 1210 and 1235. The final construction of the minaret was done by Iltutmish.

There is a dual belief about the naming of this monument. Some historians say the minar was named after the Qutb-ud-din Aibak whereas, others say it was named after Transoxiana‘s saint, Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki to honor his stay in the country during the reign of Iltutmish. The monument was massively hit by lightning‘s and earthquakes from time to time. During Firoz Shah‘s rule, the two top-most floors of the tower were damaged by lightning, which was repaired by the then ruler of Delhi. As per the inscriptions engraved on the surface of the tower, the monument was restored by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in between the period of 1351 and 1388. Those inscriptions even state that Sikandar Lodi repaired the minaret during the years from 1489 to 1517. A part of it was even affected by the earthquake of 1505, which was renovated by Sikandar Lodi. After the earthquake of 1794, Major Smith replaced the pavilion of Firoz Shah with his own while fixing the damage caused by the earthquake. However, Lord Hardinge removed it in 1848 and presently it is based in between the Minar and the Dak Bungalow.

Architecture of Qutub Minar Qutub Minar is one of the great masterpieces of the architecture of Mughal period. The 237.8 ft high fluted tower of red sandstone still reflects the then Indo-Islamic architectural style. The cylindrical shaped majestic tower is encircled by stone bracketed balconies. Each of those balconies is designed like honeycombs. The minaret is covered with intricate verses and carvings from the religious book of Quran. Numerous Nagari and Arabic inscriptions depicting the history of the tower is found in different parts of the tower. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque inside the Qutub complex comprises of a rectangular shaped courtyard, which includes cloisters, erected with architectural columns and ruins of 27 Jain and Hindu temples. The minar even consists of many cylindrical shafts with balconies in between. The tall Iron Pillar, located within the complex is ranked amongst one of the renowned metallurgical curiosities in the world. http://vikramjits.wordpress.com/2012/11/14/untold-story-of-the-qutub-minar/

Untold story of the Qutub Minar Mamluk Sultan Altamash (Iltutmish) built the Minarah, which till date is the tallest brick minaret on earth. Then why do we call it the Qutub Minar?

The Qutb Minar (also spelled as Qutub Minar or Kutb Minar) is world‘s tallest brick minaret and a world heritage site in Delhi. It is situated within the Qutb Complex, which has been the centre of the first city of Delhi since the first Muslim ruler stepped here. Before Muhammad-bin-Sam (Muhammad Ghori) defeated Prithvi Raj Chauhan, this land was with Tomar Rajpoots & Chauhans (Arkpal Tomar gave it to his grandson Prithvi). Chauhan extended the walls of Lal Kot to create Qila Rai Pithora. Ghori left his governor Qutb-ud-din Aibak to rule India after defeating Prithvi Raj Chauhan in 1060 A.D. and thus the slave dynasty started in India. There is a huge minar in the heart of this city, which most people attribute to this first Islamic ruler of north India – Qutb-ud-Din Aibak. But is this true? This article unfolds a story, least discussed in History.

The Qutb Complex

The Qutb Complex was originally a site with 27 Hindu and Jain Temples. These temples were destroyed by the Islamic invaders to obtain stone and raw material for their mosques and other buildings. These temples existed much before Ghori was even born. As the rulers from slave dynasty planned their buildings, they were short of raw material. By demolishing the majestic temples, they served another very important purpose. To ensure stronghold, it was important that the backbone of religion prevailing in conquered land is crushed. Destroying temples meant that the new Islamic Invaders had no respect for the religion being practiced by locals. They were in such hurry of completing the job, that they were not able to deface the statues properly. Even today, the remains of temples can be seen within the Qutb Complex.

The First Jama Masjid

For those who don‘t know, ‗Jama Masjid‘ (or Jami Masjid or Jumma Masjid or Masjid-e-Jami) is the majestic Friday Mosque built for the Muslim population of the city. Inscriptions on the Qutb Minar suggested that Qutb-ud-Din Aibak built this Mosque as the first building after stepping on Indian Land. This was the oldest mosque of North India. There are few mosques built in Tamil Nadu and Kerala before this. Qutb-ud-din Aibak was ruling over Delhi from 1206 to 1210 AD. There is a confusion over the actual name of this mosque. These days, we call it Quwwat-ul-Islam (Might of Islam) but the old books suggest that its name was Qubbat-e-Islam. R.N.Munshi even writes it as ‗Qutb-ul-Islam‘. Further, Munshi quotes the translation of the inscription written on the walls of Mosque (done by Thomas in his book – Pathan Kings): Kutb-ud-Din Aibak, on whom be the mercy of God, constructed this mosque.

This fortress was conquered and this Masjid Jami was built during the months of the year 587 by the great and mighty commander-in-chief Kutb-ul-Dawlat-wa-ul-Din, the commander of commanders, Aibeg Sultan. May God exalt his helpers. Materials from 27 idol temples, each of which cost twice thousand into thousand Diliwals, have been used in this Masjid. May Almighty God send mercy on him, who prays for the rest of the builder.

Quote Ref: The History of the Kutb Minar (Delhi) by R. N. Munshi (1911)

Later this mosque was extended by Alaudin Khilji and a college (Madrasa) was added to it. When Khilji died, he was buried in the same mosque and his tomb, though not decorated with glorifying marble and inscriptions, was built in same complex.

Origin of Qutb Minar

According to the popular belief, the Qutb Minar (or Qutub Minar) was built by the first Islamic ruler of North India, Qutubud-din Aibak. However, I have found numerous proofs that he neither had funds, nor time (in his tiny 4 year regime), to build, or even commence such a majestic structure. It appears to me that associating it with Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak was a ―historian‘s mistake‖. If you read historians & travellers, who came to India during the Sultanate period, you will find that they honour this Minar as ‗Sultan Altamash‘s Minar‘. Hasan Nizami dedicated his work Taj-ul-Maasir (the crown of exploits) to sultan Aibak but also mentioned major events from the period of his predecessor and successor. There is no reference to any such Minar in this important piece of work, which talks about period after 7 years of death of Aibak. If Qutubuddin Aibak even dreamed about (if not commissioned) this minar, then we must have found atleast some mention in this book. But Hasan Nizami do talk about the Jami Masjid of Delhi built by Aibak in following manner: Kutb-ud-Din built the Jami Masjid at Delhi, and adorned it with the stones and gold obtained from the temples which had been demolished by elephants, and covered it with inscriptions in Yoghra, containing the divine commands.” Following are the other prominent travel historians of related period 

Ibn Asir (with his work Kamil-ut-Tawarikh aka Tarikh-i-Kamil)



Ata Malik Juwaini aka Alau-ud-din Juwaini (with his work Tarikh-i-Jahan-Kusha)



Maulana Nuruddin Muhammed ‘Ufi, who lived in Delhi during Altamash’s period (with his work Jami-ul-Hikayat wa Liwami-ul-Riwayat)



Minhaj-i-Siraj (with his work Tabkat-i-Nasiri) The above authors make no mention of Minar. If it was one of the biggest construction of era, these people, who were living in Delhi and writing particularly on Qutb-ud-Din Aibak must have mentioned about it.

Fatuhat-i-Feroz Shahi, written by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq himself has a mention of Qutb Minar. It says: “The minara of Sultan Muizz-ud-din Sam had been struck by lightning. I repaired it and raised it higher than it was before” It should be noted that Feroz Shah Tughlaq also repaired other monuments and mention correct names like Hauz-i-Shamsi, Hauz-i-Alai, Madrasa of Altamash, Rukn-ud-din‘s Tomb, Sultan Jalalud-Din‘s Tomb and so on. Tarikh-i-Firozshahi written by Shams-i-Siraj Afif however refer to this Minar as ―the large pillar at old Delhi‖ raised by Sultan Shams-ud-Din Altamash. Ibn Batuta was not sure who built this minar so all he wrote about the builder was ―Is it the minar of Feroz Shah‖. Babur in his memoirs mention about this minar as the Minar of Sultan Alauddin Khilji. This shows that even till late 16th century, this minar was not attributed to Qutb-ud-Din Aibak. It was known by the names of Altamash, Khilji or Tughlaq, who we know built and repaired portions of minar. Translation on the entrance gate of Qutb minar: The prophet on whom be the mercy and peace of God, has declared “whoever erects a temple to the true God (on earth,) shall receive six such „dwellings in Paradise‟. The Minar, the building of the king of kings, Shems-ud-Dunya-wa-ud-Din, now in peace and pardon, be his tomb protected, and his place be assigned in heaven ____ was injured by lightning in the reign of the exalted monarch Secander the son of Behlol : (may his power and empire last for ever and his reign be glorious); and therefore the slave Fatteh-Khan, the son of Mesned-Ali the liberal of the liberal, and the meritorious servant of the king _____________, repaired it according to command. The 13th of Rebi-ul-Akher in the year 909.



The Sultan Shams-ul-Hak-wa-ud-Din Altamash ____ erected this building “The erection of this building was commanded in the glorious time of the great Sultan, the mighty king of kings, the master of mankind, the lord of the monarchs of Turkistan, Arabia and Persia; the Sun of the World and Religion, of the Faith and the Faithful, the lord of safety and protection, the heir of the kingdom of Sulman Abul Muzeffer Altamash, Nasir-Amin-ul-Momenin”

- Translation by Mr. Walter Ewer in Asiatic Researces vol. XIV (Cal: 1822)

We can see from the above proofs that this Minar was always known as the Minar of Altamash and not of Qutub-ud-Din Aibak.

Minarets of Jam, Ghazni and Konye Reputed historian Sir Syed Ahmed in his work Athar-us-Sanadid said that this Minar was actually built by Prothvi Raj Chauhan so that his daughter can have a view of Jamuna river. But if it is true, then its design and architecture must be unique and not match with the other Minars of Islamic countries.

Minaret of Ghazni: Built by Muizuddin Bahram in 10th century in the city of Ghazni. It is little different from the Qutb Minar but has many similarities, like built by same generation of rulers and it is also the minaret of a mosque. Minaret of Gutluk Temir in Konye-Urgench: This is the third tallest brick minaret in world built in Old Urgench city of Turkmenistan in 11th century. Minaret of Jam: This Minaret, very much similar to the architecture of Qutub Minar is situated in Shahrak District of Ghor Province of Afghanistan. It is right next to the Hari River. This 65 metre high minaret was completed in 12th century. This place (called Firuzkoh) was the summer capital of Ghorid Dynasty (from where Qutbuddin Aibak came). This is the second tallest brick minaret of world and was probably attached to a mosque, just like Qutb Minar.

Qutbuddin Or Qutbuddin Some historians went to an extend claiming that Altamash dedicated this Minaret to Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (r.a.), whose shrine is right behind this complex. Khwaja Kaki (ra) is the immediate successor of Hz. Khwaja Mouinuddin Chisti (ra) of Ajmer. This could be true because we know how much Altamash respected Hazrat Kaki (ref: work by Maulana Minhaj Siraj). A friend of mine, Khalid bin Umar told me a story: Khwaja Qutub-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki (1173-1235 AD) is one of the most respected and esteemed Buzurg in India. He lived during the reign of Altamash ( Eltutmish) and died in Delhi. When Khawaja Qutub-ud-Din Bakhtiyar Kaki‘s janazah was ready for the last salat. The khadim-i-khas came forward and announced that according to the will of Khawaja Sahib the funeral prayer (salat-ul-janazah) is to be led by the person who fulfills these 3 requirements:

1. He should have never committed adultery after reaching puberty. 2. He should have never missed the 4 rakat of sunnah(ghair-muakkidah) before Asr salat. 3. He should have never missed Takbir-i-Ula’ ( Opening Takbir in Salat) in prayer ( Jamat) The huge crowd stood still ! Hundreas of Awliya , Shyukh of Delhi as well as Shaykh‘s senior disciples were present there. No one came forward.Khadim repeatedly announced the requirements. But there was no response. A sense of impatience was being felt. Finally, Sultan Shamusddin Altamash (May Allah have mercy on him) stepped forward. He remarked, ―No one knew my secret, the respected Khawaja disclosed it. All praise is to Allah, I fullfil these criteria‖. He then led the prayers. I have serious doubts on the fact that Qutb Minar was named after Hazrat Khwaja because if it really was, Altamash must have engraved atleast some information in this regard on the tower. He had all the time in world to write almost everything on this minaret and even the kings that followed him wrote a lot on it. But no one ever mentioned anything about Hazrat Kaki, ever. However, Ritter in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (Vol XX, Nos. I to VIII, 1851, p353), wrote that this Minar could be in honour of Qutub Sahib, the celebrated saint. This statement is further corroborated by Major Raverty in his translation of Tabakat-i-Nasiri where he calls this Minar as ‗Lath of Kutb Sahib‘. Several other historians like Miss Mabel Duff (aka Mrs. W. R. Rickemers) and even Sir Alexander Cunningham (Dir. Gen. of ASI – 1862) support this statement. But they all put forward their assumptions and no one gives an assurance of confirmed fact to prove it. The only logical reason was given by R.N. Munshi, who says that since Hazrat Kaki was such a celebrated saint, it is possible that the emperors never thought of putting an extra line on the Minaret and it was assumed by everyone as the ‗Laat of Qutub Sahib‘

Qutub Minar has a long and mysterious history. People like me will never be able to unfold it completely. However, I have tried my best to put forward the facts that I learned in past few years. ———Vikramjit Singh Rooprai

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Delhi, capital of India, is full of many historical monuments. These monuments were made by either moguls during their ruling from the year 1557 to 1789, or even earlier to that during thirteenth century, by Khilji rulers. The persons interested in the history cannot leave Delhi without visiting famous Qutub Minar, situated in south Delhi near the village Mehroli. The entire complex of Kutub Minar is full of many important and vital historical monuments. This complex is having an area of around 3 square kilometers and takes around 2 hours to visit all its spots. Qutub Minar was built in the year 1392 by Kutbuddin Aibak, one of the rulers assisting Sultan Mahamadshah Ghori. It was built in the memory of the win of sultan against the Rajputs there-by starting mogul rule in India. This Minar is located in the central chalk of Kuvvatal Islam Masjid. This Masjid is the only Masjid still existing out of all the Masjids constructed around the year 1200. The construction work of this Masjid was started in the year 1192 and was completed in the year 1198. This Masjid was built using the building material available after breaking around 27

Hindu and Jain temples. The great Qutub Minar is 238 feet high having base of 47 feet and an apex of nine feet. It has four stories with a viewing balcony at each floor. The visitors were allowed up to 3 stories till the year 1996. Then, subsequently, visitors were allowed to go up to first floor only. However, the sad tragedy occurred in this Minar, in the year 1998, during which around 25 school children died while climbing this Minar in the rush and stamping that occurred due to the failure of the electricity of the circular stair case of this Minar. There after, no visitors are allowed to climb this Minar. The stone structure of Qutub Minar is still not damaged after around 615 years of its construction. Earlier, this was the most popular spot to commit suicide by jumping from this Minar. In spite of all this, Qutub Minar is still one of the most visited historical monuments of Delhi. There is one iron pillar, about 7 meters tall in this complex. It is said that the person who can cover it fully with both his hands from behind, while standing with facing the Qutub Minar, shall become the king in his life and all his wishes shall be fulfilled. This task is really difficult unless you have very long hands and the flexibility to move them backwards. The steel used in building this pillar has not got rusted even after 2000 years of its construction. This has remained still a puzzle for the leading engineers. The Sanskrit write up on this pillar indicate that this pillar was outside some Vishnu temple in Bihar and is around 2300 years old. How it came here in Qutub complex is a mystery for the historians. There is an Alal Minar in the North of Qutub Minar. It was planned by king Allaudin that this Minar would be built higher than Qutub Minar. But, it could not be built more than 27 meters height up to only one floor for the reasons unknown to all. The south side gate of this Minar was built subsequently by king Alaudin. The tomb of Iltumish is located in extreme north of the Qutub complex. There is also a tomb of Imam Zamin, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, near-bye. The tomb of famous king Alloudin Khilji is also located next. But, it is in highly damaged condition. This tomb is in L shape and still a unique example of the old Mogul Architecture. There used to be a sound and light show at Qutub Minar highlighting the history of this great Minar. We wee able to see this fabulous show during our visit. If you get the opportunity to see this fabulous show, never miss it. This show will take you back by about 900 years in the time of Ghauri rulers. There is a nominal entry fee for visiting this Minar. It remains open from 9 am to 5 pm normally. If you are a student of history and are likely to visit Delhi in India, make sure to visit this famous historical monument so as to fill close to the ancient time of Ghauri rulers.

Kutub Minar Architecture http://www.qutubminar.org/qutub-minar-architecture.aspx

Architecture:In order to celebrate advent of Muslim dominance in Delhi and in the celebration of victory of Aibak over Rajput rulers, Qutab Minar'sconstructed. It was started to construct in 1199, and proved the excellent sample for Islamic architecture. It was the marker of shadow of God over east and west. It was known for the minaret. Every tourist must visit this place in Delhi, since it represents an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. This architecture was started in 1199, taken around twenty years to complete and then established itself as the greatest historical building in 1219. It is the great example of Mughal's architecture.

Architecture of Qutub Minar:Height of this Minar is 72.5 meters, its diameter is 14.3 meters and its upper diameter is around 2.7 meters. There are 379 steps in this Minar from bottom to top. Near to this Minar and at the view of this tower there are some verses or Aayaats inscribed over the walls of Qutub Minar. Besides this, there is also certain word in Kupee language, which means that this tower was established to reflect the shadow of the God in both east and west direction. This Minar not only famous for its architecture but also famous for the messages of the God, which it has reflect all over the world.

Views Around Qutab Minar: Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: Very near to Qutub Minar, there is one great architecture also. Quwwat-ul-Islam is the next another great view of Qutub Minar. It is the first mosque built in India. Qutbudding built it and it was use to remains of twentyseven Hindu along with Jain temples. It has taken help from Hindu artisans for its construction. Iron Pillar: Iron Pillar is the next famous architecture near to Qutub Minar. This was the built in the 4th century of Gupta Period. Its height is 7.2 meters. Iron Pillar was constructed in the memory of Chandragupta II. At the top of this pillar, there is the image of Hindu God Garuda. The attracting factor of this pillar is that, it has around 98% Iron but it has been stood rustles for last 1600 years. One famous thought attached with this building is that the person will get his wishes if he encircles the column with having a hand being their back. QutubMinar has many superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies carried on Muqarnas corbels. The Qutub Minar was constructed on the remains of the Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika. This was capital of the Tomars , Chauhans emperors. They were last Hindu kings of Delhi. One of the engraving on the Qutub Minar is "Shri Vishwakarma prasade rachita" (Conceived with the grace of Vishwakarma.) In Past Qutub Minar was used as a watch tower. http://www.indiaprofile.com/monumentstemples/qutubminar.htm The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Minar is tapering with the diameter of the base is 14.3 m while at the top floor it is2.7 m. The Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. It is made of red and buff sandstone. Aibak constructed the first floor and the tree more storeys were added by Iltutmish. All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the Minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with

honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first storey. The first storey and its balcony have the curved and fluted design. The second storey has only curved design while the third storey has only fluted design. The Qutub Minar is decorated with floral motif and arabesque. The inscriptions on the surface of the Minar suggest that Firoz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517) repaired it. Firoz Shah renovated the top floor and added marble to the building. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in AD 1198. It is the earliest mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jain temples. These temples were demolished in order to construct the mosque. The Qutub Minar was probably built as a minar for the purpose of azaan by the muezzin. A lofty arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged by Iltutmish and Ala-ud-Din Khalji With in the mosque complex is the Iron Pillar, which dates back to 4th century AD. The pillar bears an inscription, which states that it was erected as a flagstaff in honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II (BC375-413). The pillar also highlights ancient India's achievements in metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. The Tomb of IItutmish was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square chamber made of red sandstone. It is profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and the whole of interior. It s said that it earlier had a dome, which fell down because the walls could not bear its weight. Alai Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Ala-ud-Din Khalji in AD 1311. The gateway is the example of the use of horseshoe arch and true dome for the first time. This is the first building, which employed Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation. Ala-ud-Din Khalji built a madrasa towards the southwest of Qutub Minar to impart religious education to the children. He also commenced the construction of the Alai Minar with the intention of making it twice the size of earlier minar. It is to the north of Qutub Minar. He could complete only the first storey, which now has an extant height of 25 m. The other remains in the Qutub complex comprise Madrasa, graves, tombs, mosque and architectural members. The Qutub Complex is a fine example of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The artists employed by Aibak and Iltutmish was Hindus and the raw material was also obtained from existing Hindu and Jain temples. The figures carved on the pillars were disfigured by them because it depiction of human and animal figures is not allowed in Islam. By the time Ala-ud-Din Came to power Muslim rule was established in the country and there were many artists who have come from the Central Asia. Thus the difference in the buildings of the period of Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, Iltutmish and Ala-ud-Din Khalji is prominent. The buildings of the Qutub Complex are listed in the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in India. http://rangandatta.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/qutub-minar-and-smiths-folly-an-architectural-disaster/

Qutub Minar and Smith’s Folly An Architectural Disaster

Smith’s Folly, with Qutub Minar in the background It is said that lightning never strikes a place twice, but tall structure like the Qutub Minar have always been exceptions. There are several records of the tower being struck by lightning and other natural calamities have taken its toll on the highest stone tower in the world. But the string of disaster has left the minar unscathed except for a slight tilt, some two feet of the perpendicular. The first recorded lightning strike on the Qutub Minar happened in 1368, when a lightning strike severely damaged the top storey of the Qutub Minar. Sultan Firoz Shah Tughluq replaced the fallen storey with with two floors and crowned it with a cupola. The restoration also introduced white marble into the otherwise red and buff sandstone. Sikandar Lodi also carried out some repairs on the Qutub Minar in 1503 but the nature and extent of damage is not recorded. The next major damage happed during the earthquake of 1803. Although much lesser in magnitude than the 1368 lightning the damage was significant enough to destroy Firoz Shah’s cupola permanently. Faced with an incomplete Minar, the then British Governor-General of India , Lord Wellesly authorized Major Robert Smith, the hitherto respected builder of the St.James’ Church, Delhi, to carry out the necessary repairs. These works were completed in 1828 at the not-insignificant sum of Rs. 17,000 of the time. Only, Major Smith had exceeded his brief by re-inventing what he had been asked to re-create. He had replaced an Indo-Islamic cupola with a Bengali style chatthri! The glorious tower of Islamic dominance had been capped with a Hindu cupola! The prospect was so ridiculous and the cupola so out of place, that Lord Hardinge eventually had it taken down in 1848 and placed it on the outer lawns of the Qutub Complex, where it still lies, like an impure, adulterated crown that has fallen off the Minar’s head. It has been called Smith’s Folly ever since. http://www.indianetzone.com/3/qutub_minar.htm

Qutub Minar , Indian Monument Qutab Minar was commissioned by Qutabuddin Aibak. Located in Delhi, it is the highest tower in India.

More on Qutub Minar , Indian Monument

• Quwwat-ul-lslam Mosque

• Iron Pillar

• Alai Minar

• Ala-ud-Din‘s Madrasa

• Tomb of Ala-ud-din Khilji

• Tomb of Imam Zamin

Qutab Minar is the tallest brick Minaret in the world, and an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. The tower is in the Qutab complex in South Delhi, India. The Qutab Minar and its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Qutab Minar is 72.5 metres high and requires 399 steps to get to the top, although it has not been possible for visitors to ascend the tower for some years, due to safety reasons. The diameter of the base is 14.3 metres wide while the top floor measures 2.75 metres in diameter. Qutab Minar in red and buff stand stone is the highest tower in India. Besides the minar, the Qutab complex also includes a group of monuments embracing the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque of Qutbuddin Aibak. Included in the Qutab Complex are the Tomb of Iltutmish, the Alai Minar, Alai Darwaza, the madrasa or school, and what is believed to be the Tomb of Ala-ud-din Khilji. These three kings were, in turn, responsible for the construction of the original fabric of this, one of the earliest mosques extant in India, and for its subsequent additions and extensions. History of Qutab Minar Qutabuddin Aibak laid the foundation of Qutab Minar in AD 1199 for the use of Muazzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsud-Din IItutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the Minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first storey. Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters in different places of the Minar reveal the history of Qutab. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Firoz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517). Major R. Smith also repaired and restored the Qutab Minar in 1829. The minaret is made of fluted red Sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran. The Qutab Minar is itself built on the ruins of Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the Jat Tomars and the Chauhans, the last Hindu rulers of Delhi. Architecture of Qutab Minar Qutab Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. The main mosque comprises an inner and outer courtyard, of which the inner one is surrounded by an exquisite collonade, the pillars of which are made of richly decorated shafts. With in the mosque complex is the Iron Pillar, which dates back to 4th century AD. The pillar bears an inscription, which states that it was erected as a flagstaff in honour of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II (375-413 B.C). The pillar also highlights ancient India`s achievements in metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. Ala-ud-Din Khilji constructed Alai Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in AD 1311. The gateway is the example of the use of horseshoe arch and true dome for the first time. This is the first

building, which employed Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation. Ala-ud-Din Khalji built a madrasa towards the southwest of Qutab Minar to impart religious education to the children. He also commenced the construction of the Alai Minar with the intention of making it twice the size of earlier minar. It is to the north of Qutab Minar. He could complete only the first storey, which now has an extant height of 25 m. The artists employed by Aibak and Iltutmish were Hindus and the raw material was also obtained from existing Hindu and Jain temples. The figures carved on the pillars were disfigured by them because its depiction of human and animal figures is not allowed in Islam. By the time Ala-ud-Din Khilji came to power Muslim rule was established in the country and there were many artists who have come from the Central Asia. Thus the difference in the buildings of the period of Qutab-ud-Din Aibak, Iltutmish and Ala-ud-Din Khilji is prominent. Qutabuddin Aibak built Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the northeast of Minar in AD 1198. It is the earliest extantmosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jain temples, which were demolished by Qutabudin Aibak as recorded in his inscription on the main eastern entrance. A lofty arched screen was erected and later a, mosque was enlarged, by Shamsudin IItutmish (AD 1210-35) and Ala-ud-din Khilji. The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of 4th century AD, according to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja on the hill known as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty king named Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it. The Tomb of IItutmish (AD 1211-36) was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square chamber of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and the whole of interior. Some of the motifs viz., the wheel, tassel, etc., are reminiscent of Hindu designs. Alai Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Ala-ud-din Khilji in AD 1311 as recorded in the inscriptions engraved on it. This is the first building employing Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation. Other reasons ascribed to its construction are as a tower of victory, a monument signifying the might of Islam, or a watch tower for defence. Controversy also surrounds the origins for the name of the tower. Many historians believe that the Qutab Minar was named after the first Turkish sultan, Qutb-ud-din Aibak but others contend that it was named in honour of Khwaja Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiar Kaki of Ush, a saint from Baghdad who came to live in India was greatly venerated by Iltutmish. http://www.onlytravelguide.com/delhi/historical/qutub-minar.php

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar Location : 15-km South Of New Delhi Houses : Quwwatu'l-Islam Mosque, The Iron Pillar, Alai Minar & Alai Darwaza Architecture : Afghan Architecture Built By : Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak Historical Construction of a Landmark Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak are quite evident in the minar. The relief work and even the materials used for construction differ. Qutub Minar of Delhi was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the founder of Slave family and later finished by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish. The elevated tower of Qutub Minar of Delhi is made out of brick tile and sandstones. Qutub Minar is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Nowadays, Qutub Minar is a well-known member of the World Heritage Site community and survived the ravages of time impressively. Qutub Minar of Delhi is enclosed by a prosperous green manicured garden, which is a much preferential leisure pad for Delhi locals. Qutub Minar at Delhi is a five storied tower. Each tower of the famous Qutub Minar of Delhi has exclusive designs. Again during the time of Emperor Feroze Shah Tughlaq, when the top most storey of the Qutub Minar was damaged, the king repaired the floor and elevated the Qutub Minar to another level. The first three stories of the Qutub Minar have special designs. Qutab Minar is situated in Qutab Minar Complex, very near to Connaught Place New Delhi. Qutab Minar is certainly one of the major tourist attractions in Delhi and it is highly reachable. Qutab Minar is also generally called the marble tower of success and it is indeed a charming structure made out of red sandstone. Qutab Minar being the victory tower is the main stone tower in India. Qutab Minar of Delhi was actually built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori over Rajputs in 1192. Interestingly, the word "Qutb" means "axis or pole of justice" and thus, Qutab Minar is also measured to be an artistic symbol of Islamic justice and the military regime of the Slave Dynasty. The Light Show in the Qutab Minar is certainly a major attraction and you should not miss out this one. It is yet believed that Prithvi Raj Chauhan built this tower so that his daughter could see the holy Yamuna River from the top of the monument during the prayer time. Let us not get into these arguments and understand this charming piece of architecture. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world.

The 238 feet Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets. Even in ruin, the Quwwat Ui Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab complex is one of the most magnificent in the world. Its construction was started by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 and the mosque was completed in 1197. additions were made to the building by Iltutmush in 1230 and Alla-ud-din Khilji in 1315. The main mosque comprises of an inner and outer courtyard, of which the inner is surrouded by an exquisite collonade, the pillars of which are made of richly decorated shafts. Most of these shafts are from the 27 Hindu temples which were

plundered to construct the mosque. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation. Close to the mosque is one of Delhi's most curious antiques, the Iron Pillar. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the pillar bears an inscription which stated that it was erected as a flagstaff in honour of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta king Chandragupta II (375-413). How the pillar moved to its present location remains a mystery. The pillar also highlights ancient India's achievements in metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood. 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. The Legend of The Qutub There exists a tradition that the Qutub-Minar was built by Prithviraj, the last Chauhan king of Delhi, for enabling his daughter to behold the sacred river Yamuna, from its top as part of her daily worship. A Landmark In Islamic Architecture The Minar's entire architecture, however, bespeaks an Islamic origin, with two of its prototypes in brick still existing at Ghazni, although Hindu craftsmen were certainly employed for its construction, as is evident also from certain 'Devanagari' inscriptions on its surface. Sometimes sculptured stones from temples have been found utilised in it. Originally, it was surmounted by a cupola, which fell down during an earthquake and was replaced early in the 19th century with a new cupola in the late Mughal style, by one Major Smith. It looked, however, so incongruous that it was brought down in 1848, and may now be seen on the lawns to the south east of the minar.

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http://www.ijaunt.com/delhi/qutub-minar http://www.indianmonumentsportal.com/world-heritage-sites/qutub-minar.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutub_Minar http://india.saarctourism.org/qutub-minar.html http://www.indianetzone.com/3/qutub_minar.htm