Qutub Minar Delhi is a brilliant architectural beauty and one of the best places to visit in Delhi. Qutub Minar is world-famous for its incredible architecture and its height. Qutub Minar is also one of the highest monuments which are 72.5 meters tall which gives it a tower looking structure.
There is also an amazing feature of this beautiful place that there is the spiral staircase of 379 steps. Qutub Minar is a part of the Qutub complex which is the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Delhi.
The Architecture of Qutub Minar Delhi
This monument attracts many tourists from every cover of the world. Tourists love the architecture and technique of makers to make this amazing piece of art. There is also a story that the design of Qutub Minar was inspired by the Minaret of Jam which located in Western Afghanistan. Qutub Minar is made with red sandstone and marbles and this structure has consisted of five storeys.
The Minar is surrounded by several historically significant monuments and other beautiful places to visit in which Quwwat ul IslaMosqueue and the Iron Pillar are included. The construction of Qutub Minar was started on 1199 by Qutub ud Din Aibak who was behind the existence of the Delhi Sultanate and also the founder of Qutub Minar and completed by his son-in-law Shamsuddin Iltutmish in 1220.
A very interesting story is said by the historians that The top storey Qutub Minar was destructed by lightning and later Firoz Shah Tughlaq renovated the damaged storey and constructed one more. The diameter of Qutub Minar is 14.3 meters at the base and it becomes 2.7 meters at the top.
Qutub Minar is situated in Mehrauli and this is also the best tourist place nearby Delhi. Qutub Minar is a heritage of India so it is managed by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
History and Interesting Story of Qutub Minar Delhi
Qutub Minar, located in Mehrauli, Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic monuments in India. It is a towering minaret, made of red sandstone and marble, that rises to a height of Qutub Minar is 73 meters. The history of Qutub Minar is steeped in mystery and has intrigued historians and tourists alike for centuries. Here is a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India through the fascinating history of Qutub Minar.
Qutub Minar Was Built By: Qutub Minar was built in 1192 by the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, Qutb-ud-din Aibak. It was initially built as a victory tower to celebrate the Muslim conquest of Delhi. The tower was later completed by his successor, Iltutmish, who added three more stories to it. The fifth and final story of the tower was added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century.
The Design and Architecture: Qutub Minar is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The tower is built in a style that is a fusion of Islamic and Indian architectural traditions. The first three stories of the tower are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth stories are made of marble and sandstone. The tower is decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari scripts.
The Mysteries and Legends: The history of Qutub Minar is shrouded in mystery and legends. One of the most popular legends associated with the tower is that it was built as a tower of victory to celebrate the Muslim conquest of Delhi. Another legend suggests that it was built as a watchtower to keep a watchful eye over the city of Delhi. Some historians also believe that the tower was used as a minaret for the nearby Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.
Things to Do in Qutub Minar
- Explore the Tower: The main attraction of Qutub Minar is, of course, the tower itself. You can climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top of the tower and enjoy the breathtaking views of Delhi from above. The tower is also adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari scripts, which are worth admiring.
- Visit the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: Located adjacent to the Qutub Minar, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is one of the oldest and most significant mosques in India. The mosque was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century and has since undergone several renovations. The mosque’s intricate carvings and architecture are a sight to behold.
- Admire the Iron Pillar: The Iron Pillar, located in the courtyard of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, is an ancient pillar that has stood the test of time. The pillar, made of wrought iron, is over 1,600 years old and is known for its rust-resistant properties.
- Visit the Alai Darwaza: The Alai Darwaza is an imposing gate that was built by Alauddin Khilji in the 14th century. The gate is adorned with intricate carvings and is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Enjoy a Picnic: The Qutub Minar complex is a popular spot for picnics and relaxing with family and friends. The lush green lawns and ancient ruins make for a perfect backdrop for a lazy afternoon.
Also Read:-
- The Jantar Mantar Delhi- The World’s Largest Stone Sundial
- India Gate Delhi (The All India War Memorial)
FAQ of Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is 73 meter tall which makes it the highest minaret in india and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the famous historical place to visit in Delhi.
Qutub Minar is located in the Mehrauli in South Delhi.
Qutub Minar construction was started in 1193 by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and in the year 1368 Firoz Shah Tughlaq gave it the final shape.
There many attractions and places to visit near Qutub Minar:-
1) Iron Pillar
2) Tomb of Imam Zamin
3) Alai Minar
4) Tomb of Iltutmish
5) Mehrauli Archaeological Park
6) Quwwatul Islam Masjid
Qutub Minar Metro station and Saket metro station are the nearest metro station to reach Qutub Minar, you can also take bus, auto, and cabs to reach there.
The Qutub minar timings are 7:00 Am to 5:00 Pm and it is open all days in the week.
The entry fees of Qutub Minar for India is INR-35 and for Foreigner it is INR-550
No food items are allowed in Qutub Minar except drinking water.