Qutub Minar - Delhi, India

In 1198 AD, Qutub-ud-din-Aibak built the Qubbat-ul-Islam Mosque to the northeast of the present  Qutub Minar.  In 1199, Qutub-ud-din Aibak raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. Some people believe that it was used as a tower by the muadhdhins to call the faithful to prayer.

However, only the first storey was completed by Qutub-ud-din. The other storeys were built by his successor and son-in-law, Illtutmish(1211-36 AD). The two circular stories in white marble were built by Firozshah Tughlaq in 1368, who used marble to face the red-stone. Its projecting balconies with inscriptional decorative bands on different storeys heighten its decorative effect.

With a height of 72.5 m and 379 stairs, it is the highest stone tower in India. It is also one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi’s recognised landmark.

       

There is an Iron Pillar in the Qutub Minar complex that bears an inscription in Brahmi script. The inscription reads that the pillar was constructed as a Vishnudhvaja on Krishnapada hill in memoriam of a mighty king named Chandra.

The Qutub Minar suffered damage due to earthquakes and lightning strikes on various occasions. Thus, it was renovated from time to time by various rulers.

The Minar has a tilt of just 60 cm from the vertical which even though it is safe, yet needs monitoring to avoid weakening of the foundation of the monument due to rainwater seepage.

Prior to 1981, the general public were allowed access inside the monument. However, an accident of rare seriousness (the death of 45 people in a stampede following power cut in the tower on 4 December, 1981) led to the authorities forbidding the public access to the interior section.

In 1993, the Qutub Minar was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

From a base of 14.32 m it gradually narrows to 2.75 m, at a height of 72.5 m.

The tower is covered with beautiful and striking carvings, and is inscribed with verses from the holy Quran.

Located in Mehrauli, Newdelhi, India. The Qutub Minar is just 10.8 K.ms away from Indhira Gandhi International Airport.New Delhi Railway Station is just at a Half hour drive from the Qutub Minar.You can take a call taxi from the airport and railway station to reach theQutub Minar.The monument is well connected by a fine network of roads.You can also choose to travel in a bus as sevaral private and goverment buses offer sound connectivity.Qutub Minar is the nearest station on the Delhi Metro.

         

The Qutub Minar is open throughout the year. However, the months of October through March are the best for visiting Qutub Minar as the weather is pleasant during these months.

The visiting hours of the Qutub Minar are from sunrise to sunset.

For Indians the entry ticket costs Rs. 10 while for foreigners it is Rs. 250. Children under 15 years of age are allowed free entry.

Nearby Attractions: Ansal Plaza, Qila Rai Pithora, Moth Ki Masjid, Garden of Five Senses, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Bahai Lotus Temple, Sanskriti Museum of Everyday Art and INA Market.