Qutb-Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India. About 15 km south of Delhi, in Mehrauli, stands the Qutub Minar, soaring 238 feet and 1 inch high. Known as “one of the wonders of the world,” Qutb-ud-din Aibak laid the foundation in 1200 A.D., and Iltutmish added three more storeys. Qutb-ud-din Aibak laid its foundation in 1200 A.D. Iltutmish added three more storeys. After damaged by lightning in 1368 A.D. Firuz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the fourth story, added the fifth and a harp shaped cupola. A doorway in each storey opens to its own balcony. As of now, upper storeys are closed for visitors, yet its a treat to watch this magnificent travelmasti monument. Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, Iron Pillar and Alai Gateway are worth having a look.
About Qutub-Minar
Qutab Minar is the nearest station on the Delhi Metro. A picture of the minaret also features on the Travel Cards issued by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
Qutub Minar is the pride of Delhi. The tall minaret was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later completed by his successor Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture.
Qutub Minar is a World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively. The Delhi Minar, surrounded by a lush green garden, offers visitors an ideal leisure spot. Qutab Minar is the favourite destination of tourists. It is India’s most visited monument attracting around 3.9 million visitors every year.
Qutab Minar is a great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The base of the Qutub Minar measures 14.32 meters and the top of the structure measures 2.75 meters. The bird eye’s view of Delhi city from the top is amazing. The base of first storey has alternate angular and circular flutings, the second one is round. The third storey of the Qutub Minar has angular flutings. The balconies projecting out heighten the beauty of the Minar.
Tourist attractions near Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar has some adjoining structures that lend shine of some of its fame. The Qutub complex houses the iron wonder nearby. The Iron Pillar is one of the metallurgical interests of the world. It is a thing to study as well as famous tourist destination.Traditionally, people believe that standing in front of the pillar with their back towards the column, they can encircle it with their arms to fulfill all their wishes. Government has built a fence around it for safety.
During the rule of Firoz Shah, an earthquake damaged the top two floors of the minar, but Firoz Shah repaired them himself. He built marble pavilions here. In the year 1505, earthquake again damaged it and was repaired by Sikandar Lodi. Once again the minar faced earthquake in the year 1794, then Major Smith refurbished the affected parts of the minar and replaced Firoz Shah’s pavilion with his own pavilion. Lord Hardinge removed this pavilion again in 1848. Now, it lies between the Dak Bungalow and the Minar in the garden.
Many natural conditions weathered the minar but it is still standing with all the might owing to time to time renovations and reinstated and renovated by the respective rulers.