Qutub Minar

One of the 7 wonders of India has been conferred to Qutub Minar which is, indeed, the highest tower as well as the world’s tallest brick minaret. Qutub Minar was constructed in the year 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak -the founder of Slave Dynasty and later completed by his successor and son-in-law Iltutmish. It has got immense historical importance that this complex stands amidst the ruins of ancient Hindu temples which were annihilated and its stones were used to build it. It stands, as of date, as the most vivid instances of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. The minar is of 72.5 mtrs or 237.8 feets high having 379 steps putting altogether in 5 storeys. Its base structure is of 14.32 meters and top structure is of 2.75 meters. Each storey carries different features; first having alternate circular and angular flutings, second one having round shape; the third has angular flutings and top projects balconies height out the alluring beauty of the miner. The verses from the holy Quran are inscribed on sandstone walls and signify welcoming people for prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. It symbolizes a tower of victory showing the might of Islam and it serves as defense tower to keep vigil on enemies.

Qutub Minar is now a World Heritage site and has impressively survived the vestige of time. Ironically, it was hit by lightening number of times and heavily damaged. Nonetheless, the subsequent rulers repaired to keep it standing mightily, as it was, as of date. It is encircled by several medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as Qutub Complex. This is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and most favourite destination of tourists attracting around 3.9 million visitors every year.  

The Qutub Complex has got several attractions within its premises.

• Iltutmish’ Tomb:  This was constructed in 1235 AD having a plain square chamber made of red sandstone, delicately carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque style as Saracenic tradition. Some of the wheel tassel and motifs are as similar as of Hindu designs.
• Ala-i-Minar: This ambitious minar was made a start by Ala-ud-Din Khilji but the sultan’s desire was to see its height of 24.5m making to match the enlarged Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid.
• Ala-i-Darwaza: It is at the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Its several inscriptions form an ornamental surface. It was erected around 710 A.H. (1311).
• Ala-ud-Din’s Tomb and College: they are in the southwest of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and are meant to represent Ala-ud-Din’s tomb and Madrasa or college, imparting Islamic theology and scriptures.
• Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: At the northeast of the Minar,it is the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans comprising of a rectangular size courtyard attached by cloisters, engineered  with the carved columns and with 27 Hindu and Jain temples which were demolished by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak. Later, the mosque was enlarged by constructing a lofty arched screen by Ala-ud-Din Khilji and Shams-ud-Din IItutmish.
•  The Iron Pillar: It is in the courtyard that carries an inscription of 4th century AD inscribed in Brahmi script in Sanskrit. Accordingly, it is symbolized as standard of Lord Vishnu or as a Vishnudhvaja or. It is adjacent to the Qutub Minar Complex. Eventually, the founder of Delhi and Tomal King ,Anagapal brought the iron pillar.