Qutub Minar, an architectural marvel of the 13th
century, is located in Delhi, the capital of India. One of the most famous
landmarks of Delhi, viewing it is trully an experience to relish. Qutub
Minar complex monuments are listed in the UNESCO world heritage sites of
India. Here is concise information about Qutub Minar in Delhi.
Qutub Minar Information
| Location |
Delhi |
| Importance |
Highest stone tower in India |
| Best Time to Visit |
October to March |
| Diameter at Base |
14.32 m |
| Diameter at Peak |
2.75 m |
Qutub Complex and Architecture
Red sandstone is employed in the construction of Qutub Minar. Alternating
angular and rounded flutings are the feature of Qutab Minar. Impressive
calligraphy bedecks the adjacent edifices. All the five stories are marked
by a projecting balcony. Verses from the Koran, holy book of Muslims, are
deeply inscribed on Kutub Minar.
Several other historically important building lie in the surrounding
archaeological complex. These include Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the oldest in
northern India and Alai-Darwaza Gate, considered the masterpiece of
Indo-Muslim art. Whole Qutub Minar complex is fine example of Indo-Islamic
architecture.
Iron Pillar
Iron Pillar in the Qutab Minar Complex harks back to the 5th century. It
has faced the wear and tear of time successfully.
History
Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak, the first sultan of Delhi, laid the foundation stones
of Kutub Minar in AD 1199. Some historian opine that that the objective
behind its construction was to give a platform to Mu'azzin to give calls for
prayer. He was the one who raised the first storey. Then he died. The credit
of completing the construction goes his successor and son-in-law,
Shamsu'd-Din Iitutmish, who also added three more stories to it.
