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.
