 Qutab Minar is a massive landmark of Delhi as well as medieval Indian history. It commemorates the golden period of Slave kings in Delhi. It is Delhi's tallest stone tower and in every sense a perfect minar. Qutab Minar is one of the finest Islamic structures in India.
History
Qutab-ud-Din Aibak, the Slave king of Delhi started building this colossal minaret in the year 1199. However, the construction of Qutab Minar was completed by his son-in-law Iltutmish, who was also his successor to the throne. It stands 72.5m high. At the base it is 14.32m wide, narrowing down to 2.75m at the top. It is an impressive red sandstone structure with ornate carvings and inscriptions of Quran verses.
Qutab Minar suffered damage due to lightening in 1326 and 1368. First time, Muhammed Tughlaq restored the Minar in 1332. The next time damage was attended by Feroze Tughlaq in 1368. He added an extra fifth floor to the original structure of four floors. He used marble instead of red sandstone. Sikander Lodhi carried out some quick restorations in the upper floors in the year 1503. It is believed that, originally an ornate cupola surmounted Qutab Minar but it fell down. A British Major Smith replaced it with a new one. However, it was brought down in 1848, as it did not gel with the aesthetics of the Minar.
More About Qutab Minar
Each storey of Qutab Minar has a different architectural plan. The lowest has alternate angular and circular flutings. The second has only angular flutings and the third only circular ones. It has ornately decorated balconies projecting out with stalactite pendentive style brackets. There are decorative bands with holy inscriptions, under the balconies of each floor. It takes 379 steps and 72.5m to reach the pinnacle of this lofty stone tower.
Though it is out an out an Islamic structure, yet it is very much possible that the craftsmen who worked on it were Hindus. This is evident from 'Devnagari' inscriptions on its surface and the several sculpted temple stones dotting its structure.
Within the Qutab Complex there are various other monuments of astounding architecture. The Quwwatu'l-Islam Masjid is one such example. It has been built entirely by ripping off materials and masonry from over 27 Hindu temples. This fact is well reflected by the pillars carrying motifs depicting Hindu gods and goddesses and the walls decorated with beautiful Islamic handwriting and brocaded designs. This masjid was started by Qutab-ud-Din in 1192.
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