Qutub
Minar is one of India's most spectacular monuments that can be lauded as
'landmarks in the history of architecture.' Qutub Minar is closely
identified with Delhi, as Leaning tower is identified with Pisa.
Qutub Minar was built in 1199 by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak. The purpose of
building this beautiful monument is not very clear. Some believe that it was
built as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in
India, while others say it was used by the muezzins to call the faithful to
prayer.
Qutub Minar continues to be the highest red sandstone tower as well as one
of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. It is 72.5 meters
high and the diameter of the base is 14.3 meters while the top floor
measures 2.7 meters in diameter. One has to climb 379 steps to get to the
top Tower. The minaret is covered with intricate carvings and verses from
the holy Koran.
The Qutub Minar has a great significance in the history of Indian Culture.
Qutub Minar, the first monument of Muslim rule in India foretells the
beginning of a new style of art and architecture, Indo-Islamic style. The
Qutub Minar and the other buildings surrounding it perfectly represents the
Delhi style of Indo-Islamic art and architecture. The Qutub Minar is
considered to be one of the most perfect towers in the world.
History
Qutub Minar was commenced by the first Muslim ruler of India,
Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, in 1193 AD. But Qutub-ud-din-Aibak could only complete
its basement. The successor of Aibak, Iltutmush continued the work and added
three more stories, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tuglak constructed the fifth and
the last storey of the Minaret. The development of architectural styles from
Aibak to Tuglak can be apparently seen in the Minaret.
Other Monuments close to Qutub Minar:
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque close to the Qutub Minar was the first mosque to
be built in India. Built by Qutub-ud-din aibak using parts of 27 Jain and
Hindu temples, this mosque present both Indian and Islamic features. Today
the mosque is in ruins, but one can see the arches, floral motifs,
squinches, calligraphy and geometric patterns carved on the mosque.
Other monuments built subsequently include, the Ala-I-Darwaza and the Alai
Minar built by Ala-ud-din Khilji (1296-1316).
To the west of the mosque is another remarkable building-the tomb of
Iitutmish built by the monarch in 1235. The other tomb in the Qutub complex
include those of Ala-ud-din-Khilji, Imam Zambian, a Sufi saint from
Turkestan.
Iron Pillar
The Iran Pillar is another curious structures of Delhi residing close to
the mosque.
This 4th century, pillar bears an inscription which states that it was
raised as a flagstaff in honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory
of the Gupta King Chandragupta II(375-413). The pillar is made of 98 per
cent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing.
This highlights ancient India's achievements in metallurgy.
How to Reach There
The Qutub Minar is in South Delhi and is 13 kms south of Connaught Place.
It is easily accessible by buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws.
Timings
It is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Shopping and Eating Out
One can find many restaurants and cafes close to the Qutub complex.
Mehrauli and Lado Sarai are the some of the nearby places, offering good
shopping opportunities.
