Qutub Minar Delhi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, India. It is a towering minaret that stands at a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 feet) and is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world. The minaret is named after Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, who began its construction in 1192.
The Qutub Minar is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture and design. The minaret is built of red sandstone and marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari script. It consists of five stories, each marked by a projecting balcony, and is topped with a small dome and a finial.
Apart from the Qutub Minar, the complex also includes several other historical and architectural marvels. These include the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which is one of the oldest surviving mosques in India, the Alai Darwaza, the Iron Pillar of Delhi, and several other tombs and monuments. The complex is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring Delhi’s rich history and culture.
One of the key attractions of Qutub Minar is its spiral staircase consisting of 379 steps. The tower’s design is said to have been influenced by the Minaret of Jam in Western Afghanistan. Qutub Minar was commissioned by Qutub al-Din Aibak, the legendary founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1192. The tower was completed by his successor, Iltumish, in 1220. However, the top story of the tower was destroyed by lightning a few decades later and was later restored by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who also added storey to the structure.
The area surrounding the tower is home to several other historic monuments, such as the Qutub Complex, which includes the Quwwat ul Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar of Delhi. The tower’s architectural style is reminiscent of that seen in Iran, but local artistic conventions such as looped bells, garlands, and lotuses were also incorporated into the design. Various inscriptions in Parso-Arabic and Nagari can be found at different sections of the structure.
Qutub Minar Delhi timing, locations, entry fee, nearest metro station, car parking, and events
| Location | Mehrauli, South West District, New Delhi, India. Location on Google Map |
| Timing | 7:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Entry Fee | Indian citizens: Rs. 30 and for foreign nationals: Rs.500. |
| Nearest metro station | Qutub Minar metro station |
| Car Parking | You will get ample space to park your car. But it is recommended to visit with taxi. |
| Events | Decorative Light Show every evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm as well as the Qutub Minar Festival in October/November. |
Interesting facts about Qutub Minar
- Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing at a height of 73 meters (240 feet) tall.
- The tower is made of red sandstone and marble and has five stories with a spiral staircase of 379 steps inside.
- The Qutub Minar was built in the early 13th century and it took about 20 years to complete its construction.
- The tower has inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters, which provide information about its construction and history.
- The Qutub Minar was built as a victory tower to commemorate the victory of the Mamluk Dynasty over the last Hindu kingdom in northern India.
- The tower has undergone several renovations and repairs over the centuries, including after it was damaged by lightning strikes.
- The complex surrounding the Qutub Minar also includes several other historical structures, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar of Delhi.
- In 1981, the Qutub Minar was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its historical and architectural significance.
- The Qutub Minar has been used as a location in several Bollywood movies, including the popular film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
- The tower attracts thousands of visitors every year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi.
- The diameter of the base of the Qutub Minar is 14.3 meters (47 feet) while the diameter at the top is 2.7 meters (9 feet).
- The Qutub Minar was damaged several times by earthquakes and lightning strikes. The most recent restoration was carried out in 2018 to repair the damage caused by the earthquake that struck Delhi in 2017.
- The Iron Pillar of Delhi, which stands near the Qutub Minar, is an ancient iron pillar that is over 1,600 years old. Despite being exposed to the elements for centuries, the pillar has not rusted.
- The Qutub Minar was initially built with a height of 72.5 meters (238 feet) but it was damaged in a lightning strike in 1369 and had to be repaired. The damaged top floor was replaced by two new floors, which increased its height to the current height of 73 meters (240 feet).
- The construction of the Qutub Minar was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by his successor, Iltutmish. Iltutmish added three new stories to the tower, each with a balcony.
- The Qutub Minar has been mentioned in various historical texts and poems, including the famous poem “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot.
- The Qutub Minar complex also includes the Alai Darwaza, a monumental gate built by Alauddin Khilji in the 14th century.
- The Qutub Minar is decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions, including verses from the Quran.
- The Qutub Minar has been a popular subject for photography and is a must-visit attraction for tourists visiting Delhi.
- The Qutub Minar has survived several centuries and has witnessed the rise and fall of various empires in India. It remains a symbol of India’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
FAQ
Who built Qutub Minar?
Qutub Minar was built by the Mamluk Dynasty ruler Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the early 13th century. He started the construction of the tower in 1193 and it was completed by his successor Iltutmish in 1220. The Qutub Minar is located in Delhi, India, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world and is considered to be an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
What is the real name of Qutub Minar?
Qutub Minar’s real name is “Qutb Minar” which means “Victory Tower”. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Delhi, India, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
What is the Hindu name for Qutub Minar?
There is no specific Hindu name for Qutub Minar as it was built during the period of Islamic rule in India. However, the monument is situated in an area that was historically significant for the Hindu and Jain communities, and there are some ancient Hindu and Jain temples nearby, such as the Iron Pillar, which is a popular attraction for visitors to the area.
Why was Qutub Minar destroyed?
Qutub Minar was not destroyed, but parts of it were damaged during various invasions and earthquakes that took place in Delhi over the centuries. The first few floors of the Qutub Minar were built during the rule of Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in the late 12th century, and the succeeding floors were built by his successors. The topmost floor of the tower was damaged by lightning in the early 14th century and was subsequently repaired. The tower suffered further damage due to earthquakes in the centuries that followed.
In addition to this, some of the other monuments and structures around Qutub Minar were destroyed by various rulers and invaders during Delhi’s history. For example, the original Hindu temple that stood at the site where Qutub Minar now stands was destroyed by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak when he built the Qutub Minar complex. However, the Qutub Minar itself was not intentionally destroyed, but it did suffer damage over time due to natural disasters and lack of proper maintenance.
What is Qutub Minar a symbol of?
Qutub Minar is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and architectural excellence of India. The monument is an outstanding example of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture and stands as a testament to the artistic and technological achievements of the medieval period. It is also considered to be a symbol of the conquest and rule of Delhi by various Muslim dynasties over the centuries, particularly the Mughal and the Slave dynasties, as it was built during their reign. The Qutub Minar complex also houses other important historical and cultural monuments, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar, which are significant for their architectural and historical value. Overall, Qutub Minar is an important landmark of India and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and historical significance.
