Qutub Minar




Quick Facts

Location Mehrauli
Nearest Metro Station Qutab Minar
Open All days
Entry Fee Rs10 (Indians), Rs250 (foreigners)
Days Closed None

The historic monument of Qutub Minar is a 72.5 meter tall construction raised by Qutub-ud-din Aibak who belonged to Slave dynasty, when he acquired Delhi in 1206 AD. This monument bears intricate carvings of Quran verses, which is in the form of tubular red stone tower. This structure of Qutub Minar was constructed as a sign of victory and a mark of Muslim power in the city, also serving as a minaret for the muezzin drawing those who would come for prayers.

Qutub-ud-din, who started the construction, completed only the first storey. The rest of the parts were raised by his successors such as Iltutmish building some of the other storeys, while the circular storeys in white marble were done by Ferozeshah Tughlaq in 1368 AD.

History

There are controversies with regard to the origin of Qutub Minar, some believing that it was erected as a victorious edifice to mark the beginning of Mughal Empire in India, other contending that it was raised as a minaret to house the muezzins to draw the faithful for prayers.

Qutub Minar on any account is an admirable monument of India, for that matter, in the whole world. Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who conquered Delhi became the first Muslim ruler, started constructing this structure in 1200 AD, which he completed upto basement level. His immediate successor Iltutmish raised three storeys in 1230 AD. Following this, Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1315 AD and Ferozeshah Tughlaq in 1368AD worked on it to complete the remaining Storeys.

There are two court yards in Qutub Minar, one inner and the other outer with a number of shafts and pillars. It is said that these shafts were removed from Hindu structures of those days and planted here, that is why this Muslim mosque reflects lot of Hindu architecture and ornamentation.

Delhi’s astounding monument depicting an ever impressive antique in the form of an Iron Pillar stands next to the mosque in Qutub Minar premises.

What to See

The attractions that a tourist would love to see in Qutub Minar are the following:

  • The Minaret which is of conical form with its amazing five storeys construction, the first Muslim monument in India. It is also believed to be a spot from which Muslims were called for Prayers in the nearby Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in the Qutub Minar premises
  • The ancient and dilapidated mosque Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the remaining structure depicting Persian architecture filled with many carvings and also calligraphies.
  • The huge Iron Pillar of 7 meter height erected in the centre part of the complex near the mosque raised by Chandragupta Maurya during 400AD, with inscriptions reflecting that fact near the base, which amazes people with its metallurgical supremacy because of its rust proof condition.
  • Ala-i-Darwaza, another spot of interest here, which is a domed structure created by Ala-ud-din Khilji during his period as the entrance to the mosque, carrying wonderful architectural skills, although it is in a sublimed position behind the mammoth tower.
  • Another tower in the Complex, Ala-i-Minar raised by Ala-ud-din Khilji as a contemporary structure to Qutub Minar, however he could complete only one storey of it in his life time, therefore standing even today as a single storeyed structure.
  • Two more attractions in the form of tombs: one erected by the ruler Iltutmish  and the other by a saint from Turkestan called Imam Zamin, which are built in 13th and 16th centuries respectively, both the tombs bearing carvings and embellishments of verses of  Holy book Quran.

How to Reach Qutub Minar

Air

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport provides prepaid Taxies and Coach Transfer both air conditioned and non A/C, taking the traveller to the Qutub Minar complex from Airport.

Rail

New Delhi Railways Station connected with all the parts of the Country has also provisions for prepaid taxies and auto rickshaws, besides DTC buses ply from the Railway Station to Qutub Minar complex.

Road

There are public transport buses running from all the major parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to reach Delhi.

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