INTRODUCTION
World’s tallest brick minaret Qutub Minar is part of the Qutub complex. The complex is filled with several other historical monuments and was named a UNESCO World heritage site in 1993.
HISTORY
In the early 13th century Qutab-Din-Aibak, the first Islamic ruler of India commissioned the Qutab Minar. This monument is full of controversy some believe it was built as a symbol to celebrate the victory and power of the King Qutub-Din-Aibak, some believe it was built to call the locals to come to the mosque for prayer.
More than 27 Hindu and Jain temples were destroyed and converted into Islamic structures using materials from the temples in their mosque and other buildings. One can see many carvings of Indian Gods that have disfigured, pillars look very similar to the pillars of Hindu temples, war scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana and typical temples bells carved on the pillars.
HOW TO REACH / LOCATION
The Qutub Minar is located in Mehrauli, South Delhi and is convenient. One can reach Qutub Minar using Tuk Tuk, bus, Metro (Nearest metro station is Qutub Minar on the Yellow line).
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR VISIT
The Qutub Minar is open daily from Sunrise to sunset (06.00 Am to 06.00 Pm).
Visitors of India, SAARC and BIMSTEC countries will pay if cash Indian Rupee 40, for cashless Indian Rupee 35 by credit or debit card.
Foreign travelers will pay if cash Indian Rupee 600, for cashless Indian Rupee 550 by credit or debit card.
Free entry for children below 15 years of age.
Next to the ticket counter huge parking space is available for car parking, baggage counter and toilet.
PLACES TO VISIT IN THE QUTUB COMPLEX
The major attraction of the complex is Qutub Minar no matter where you are in the complex you will be able to see different type of view of this minaret. 72.5 meters (238 feet) height making it the world tallest brick minaret and has 14.3 meters (47 feet) base diameter reducing to 2.7 meters (9 feet) at the top of the peak. It also contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps.
Built with red and grey sandstone this 5 stories building will really give some extra stretching to your neck. After completing the first story the founder Qutab-Din-Aibak died and the rest of the 4 stories are completed by his successor and son-in-law Iltumish.
In 1369, lightning struck the minaret which knocked off the top story. To strengthen and reduce the size of fourth floor it was separated in two stories which made it 5 stories minaret.
Next to Qutub Minar lies the Alai Darwaja , the beautiful gateway to the minaret. It is the contribution of Alauddin Khalji.
Next you can visit Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque, India’s first extant mosque is a simple rectangle surrounded by pillars and it is clearly seen the material in use from destroyed temples. West side of the mosque there is a beautiful screen showcasing the Indo-Islamic architecture.
Inside the mosque there is one more Interesting thing that is Iron pillar that never rust. It is a great example of India’s unique iron making technique. It was constructed in the early period of Gupta reign between 4th and 5th century, based on the inscription on it but the mystery is why it is here.
The other places to visit in the complex is the tomb of Iltumish, located just next his own extended work. It was built by the ruler himself in 1235. It is a simple square covered originally by a circular dome.
Your last visit will be unfinished work of Alai Minar, Madarassa and tomb of Khilji which is in ruins.
NEAREST PLACES TO VISIT
If you still have some more time to explore nearby places you can visit Garden of five senses, hauz Khas village, Chattarpur temple