Qutub Minar (New Delhi)

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Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar, located in the Mehrauli area of New Delhi, is one of the most iconic landmarks in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as a testament to the rich architectural and cultural history of the Delhi Sultanate. The Qutub Minar has a fascinating story that spans centuries.

Early History:

  • The construction of the Qutub Minar began in 1192 under the rule of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. Aibak started building the minaret as a victory tower to celebrate the conquest of Delhi by the Ghaznavid ruler Muhammad Ghori.

  • The first storey of the Qutub Minar was completed during Aibak's lifetime. It was a massive structure built with red sandstone and featured intricate carvings and inscriptions in the Arabic script.

Successive Additions:

  • Aibak's successor, Iltutmish, continued the construction of the Qutub Minar and added three more storeys to the tower. Each storey has a distinct design, showcasing the architectural evolution during different periods.

  • The third storey was completed by Iltutmish, while the fourth and fifth storeys were added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century.

Architectural Features:

  • The Qutub Minar stands at a height of approximately 73 meters (240 feet) and has a diameter of 14.3 meters at its base, tapering to about 2.7 meters at its peak.

  • The minaret is adorned with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran in the Naskh style. The verses praise the victories of Muslim rulers and the might of Islam.

  • The various storeys are separated by balconies, and the entire structure is supported by a series of ornamental brackets.

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque:

  • Adjacent to the Qutub Minar is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which is considered the first mosque built in Delhi by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The mosque incorporates materials from 27 Hindu and Jain temples that were demolished during the construction.

  • The mosque features an exquisite arched entrance, known as the Alai Darwaza, which is adorned with intricate geometric and calligraphic designs.

Iron Pillar:

  • In the courtyard of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque stands the famous Iron Pillar of Delhi. The iron pillar is a testament to ancient metallurgical skill, as it has withstood rust for over a millennium.

Later Periods:

  • The Qutub Minar underwent restoration and reconstruction during various periods, including the British colonial era.

  • In 1803, a lightning strike caused damage to the top storey of the Qutub Minar, which was subsequently reconstructed by Major Robert Smith.

Legacy:

  • The Qutub Minar complex is not just the site of a historical tower but also houses several other structures of architectural significance, making it a prominent tourist destination.

  • Visitors from around the world are captivated by the Qutub Minar's architectural beauty and the historical narrative it encapsulates, reflecting the rich history of Delhi and its rulers.

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