Location
This
is one of the highest stone tower located at Mehrauli in the southern part
of the national capital of India, Delhi.
Overview
This magnificent five-storied building is an excellent example of early
Indo-Islamic art & architecture. Its construction was started by the
ruler of Delhi Sultanat Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak and later it was completed by the
Sultan Illtutmish. This red sandstone tower took two decades to complete by
four different rulers at different points of time. The minar and the
buildings of the Qutub complex are listed in UNESCO's world heritage sites.
Architecture
The tower represents a unique architectural style and has five distinct
storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are
made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. It has
a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m at the top. The total
height of the tower is 72.5 m and has 379 steps. The walls of the minar is
covered with intricate carvings and deeply inscribed verses of the holy
Koran.
Attractions
» Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque - The mosque was supposed
to have been built by the materials of the remains of Hindu temple and
architecture. There are a number of pillars which are taken from 27
different Jain and Hindu temples. The construction of the mosque was started
by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak and completed after four years.
»
Iron Pillar - In the courtyard of Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque stands the
famous iron pillar. This pillar bears a Sanskrit inscription in Gupta period
of 4th century AD. The inscription shows that it was erected as a flagstaff
or dhawja in the honour of Hindu god, Vishnu and in the memory of Gupta
ruler Chandragupta II.
» Alai Darwaza & Alai Minar - These were built
by Allauddin Khilji. The Alai Darwaja is a magnificent gateway with inlaid
marble decorations. Alai Minar was conceived of as a greater tower than the
Qutub Minar, but its construction was stopped after the completion of the
first storey having an height of 24.5 meter.
» Tomb of Illtumish - This tomb of Illtutmish was
built in 1235 AD. It is made of red sandstone and has carved inscriptions on
its walls. It is said that it had earlier a dome which fell down later.
How to Reach
Qutub Minar is easily accessible from all parts of Delhi. The city is
connected to all parts of India by air, rail and road.
» Air - The Indira Gandhi International Airport is
linked to all the domestic airports of the country. Besides, there is also a
domestic airport at Palam.
» Rail - Delhi is connected to all the major cities
and towns of the country by three major railheads named the Old Delhi, New
Delhi and the Hazrat Nizamuddin Rly. station.
» Road - An excellent motorable road network
connects the city with all the major destinations including Kolkata,
Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Allahabad, Kanpur etc. There are regular
bus services from the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT).
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