History and Splendor of Delhi’s Qutub Minar
Detailed History :-
Located in the Mehrauli area of India’s capital, Delhi, the Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. The construction of this historical tower was initiated by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1199 AD, who could only complete its first story. Subsequently, his successor and son-in-law, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, added three more stories to it. In 1369 AD, lightning struck and damaged the topmost story, which was later repaired by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who also constructed an additional final story. Within the Qutub complex lies the famous ‘Iron Pillar’, dating back to the 4th century, built during the Gupta Empire in memory of King Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Remarkably, this iron pillar has never rusted to this day. UNESCO has designated the Qutub Minar and its surrounding complex as a World Heritage Site.
Detailed Architecture :-
The architecture of the Qutub Minar is a magnificent and unparalleled example of the Indo-Islamic style. The total height of the minaret is 72.5 meters, containing 379 steps. The tower is constructed using red and light yellowish sandstone. It features five distinct stories, each surrounded by a beautifully carved balcony supported by stone brackets. The walls of the minaret are intricately engraved with verses from the Quran and exquisite Arabic geometric designs. The tower tapers as it goes up; it has a diameter of 14.3 meters at the base, which reduces to just 2.7 meters at the top. Other structures within the complex, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Alai Darwaza, and the Tomb of Iltutmish, stand as living testaments to ancient craftsmanship.
тАЛTravel Guide & Routes
- Ticket :– The entry fee for Indian tourists is тВ╣40. For foreign tourists, the fee is set at тВ╣600. Booking tickets online may provide a small discount. Entry for children below 15 years of age is completely free.
- Visiting Time :– The Qutub Minar remains open on all days of the week. The visiting hours are from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM. In the evening, the grand illumination makes the monument look even more spectacular.
- How to Reach :–
- By Metro :– The easiest way to reach here is via the Delhi Metro. You can take the Yellow Line and get down at the ‘Qutub Minar Metro Station’. The complex is about 1-1.5 km from the station, from where autos or e-rickshaws are easily available.
- By Road :– You can easily reach Mehrauli, where the Qutub Minar is located, from any part of Delhi using DTC buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, or personal vehicles.
- By Air :– The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi Airport), which is located approximately 14 kilometers away.
- Photography Spots :– The main front lawn facing the Qutub Minar, the carved arches of the Alai Darwaza, the area near the historic Iron Pillar, and wide-angle shots of the illuminated minaret during the evening.
- Local Flavors & Famous Markets :– Mehrauli and its surrounding areas house several famous rooftop restaurants and cafes that offer a stunning view of the Qutub Minar. Here, you can savor Delhi’s famous chole bhature, chaat, and Mughlai cuisine. The nearby ‘Mehrauli Bazaar’ is popular for clothes and local handicrafts, while ‘Saket Malls’ and ‘The Garden of Five Senses’, located a short distance away, are also excellent places to explore.
тАЛInteresting Facts
- Rust-Free Iron :– The Iron Pillar inside the Qutub complex is over 1600 years old, yet it has never rusted despite standing in the open air under the sun and rain, which is a marvel of ancient Indian metallurgy.
- The Incomplete Tower :– Alauddin Khilji wanted to build a tower twice as high as the Qutub Minar, named the ‘Alai Minar’. However, due to his death, its construction stopped forever at the first story, which can still be seen in the complex today.
- Entry Inside is Closed :– Following a tragic accident in 1981, entry inside the minaret to climb up the stairs has been completely banned for safety reasons. Visitors can now only admire it from the outside.
Important Questions and Answer :-
Question 1:– Who started the construction of the Qutub Minar and who completed it?
Answer:– The construction of the Qutub Minar was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1199 AD, and it was subsequently completed by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Question 2:– What is the total height of the Qutub Minar and where is it located?
Answer:– The total height of the Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters (238 feet), and it is located in the Mehrauli area of New Delhi, India.
“Encapsulating the grandeur of history and the timeless tale of architecture, Delhi’s Qutub Minar is a priceless window into India’s glorious past.”