KUTUB MINAR

Qutub Minar
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For information on other notable structures in the Qutb complex, see the main article.

Coordinates: [show location on an interactive map] 28.524355° N 77.185248° E
At 72.5 meters, the Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world.
At 72.5 meters, the Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world.
Remains of ancient Indian sculptures at the Qutab Minar.
Remains of ancient Indian sculptures at the Qutab Minar.

Qutub Minar (Hindi : क़ुतुब मीनार Urdu: قطب منار) is the tallest brick minaret in the world, and an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. The tower is in the Qutb complex at Mehrauli in South Delhi, India. The Qutub Minar and its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters high (237.8 ft) with 399 steps leading to the top. The tower is now unfortunately once again closed to visitors. This is because in 1980s 25 children were crushed inside the tower when an electrical failure inside the tower caused a stampede. The diameter of the base is 14.3 meters wide while the top floor measures 2.75 meters in diameter.

surrounding the building are many fine examples of Indian artwork from the time it was built in 1193. A second tower was in construction and planned to be taller than the Qutub Minar itself. Its construction ended when it was about forty feet tall.

It is evident from the Indian History and has been accepted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that the place where Qutub Minar stands today was once occupied by about 20 Jain temples. These were demolished and the stones reused to build the present complex. An inscription stating this has been put by ASI some 10 meters from the base of the minaret. Jain tirthankar figurines can be found on many pillars and walls of the complex.[citation needed]

Inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan and wishing to surpass it, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193, but could only complete its basement. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more storeys and, in 1368, Firuz Shah Tughluq constructed the fifth and the last storey. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tuglak are quite evident in the minaret. Like earlier towers erected by the Ghaznavids and Ghurids in Afghanistan, the Qutub Mahal comprises several superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies carried on Muqarnas corbels. The minaret is made of fluted red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an. The Qutub Minar is itself built on the ruins of Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the Tomars and the Chauhans, the last Hindu rulers of Delhi.

The purpose for building this beautiful monument has been speculated upon. It can take the usual role of a minaret, calling people for prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. Other possibilities are a tower of victory, a monument signifying the might of Islam, or a watch tower for defense. Controversy also surrounds the origins for the name of the tower. Many historians believe that the Qutub Minar was named after the first Turkish sultan, Qutb-ud-din Aibak but others contend that it was named in honour of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, a saint from Baghdad who came to live in India who was greatly venerated by Iltutmish. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351–88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489–1517). Major R.Smith also repaired and restored the minaret in 1829.

The iron pillar of Delhi is one of the world's foremost metallurgical curiosities, standing in the famous Qutb complex.
metallurgical curiosity Iron Pillar at the Qutab complex.
metallurgical curiosity Iron Pillar at the Qutab complex.

According to the traditional belief, any one who can encircle the entire column with their arms, with their back towards the pillar, can have their wish granted. Because of the corrosive qualities of sweat, people are no longer allowed to perform this act.
[edit] Gallery

A close-up of the minaret


Qutub Minar, as seen from a surrounding gate, and its height in comparison to humans.


The Qutub Minar and surrounding ruins.


The Qutub Minar at night.

The Qutb Minar's size makes it visible from far around.


Qutub Minar, as seen from a surrounding gate, and its height in comparison to humans.


The Qutub Minar


Writing on the Minar.

[edit] References

[edit] External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Qutb Minar

* Quwwat Al-Islam Mosque
* Qutub Minar at night
* Qutb Minar from satellite, recognizable by its long shadow
* Qutab Minar
* Downloadable photos Qutab Minar
* 19th century photography by Eugene Clutterbuck Impey
* Qutub Minar travel guide from Wikitravel

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Categories: Islamic architecture | Towers in India | Slave Dynasty