The 2nd largest minar of India, Qutub Minar is recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The 73 m highest tower was built by the Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, which was built immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom. The construction of Qutub Minar was laid in the 1192 AD and completed in 1220 AD. Further, the reconstruction or rebuilding of the monument was made in the 12th century, 14th century, and 19th century. It is the most popular attraction of Delhi which is also a part of India’s most searchable Golden Triangle Tour that includes the exploration of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
The glorious history associated with Qutub Minar
The founder of Turkish rule in north-western India, Qutub-ud-din-Aibak was also the eminent ruler of the Mamluk Dynasty in Delhi. This minar was dedicated to the Muslim Sufi Mystic saint and scholar of the Chishti order, Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. It is believed that the construction was linked to the victory marking the beginning of Muslim dynasty in India, but it is just a myth. The tower was completed by Aibak’s Son-in-law and successor Shams-ud-Din-Iltutmish who was the founder of Delhi Sultanate in 1220. The tallest minaret has a faces some natural disasters including the lightning hit the top storey of the minaret in 1369 AD that knocks out the entire structure. The restoration was made by the then ruler of Delhi Sultanate, Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq and then he further constructed two more storeys to the monument. Later on, many natural disasters cause damage to the construction and then it was reconstructed by the then rulers.
Structure of Minar
It is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architectural style. The entire architecture was made out of red sandstone and marble with the total 379 steps to reach the top which are closed for the visitors and the general public. It is 73 m high tapering minaret which has a base with a diameter of 14.3 and a diameter of 2.7 m at the top. There is a total of six storeys and each storey has a projected balcony surrounded the minaret and supported by the corbels. The Qutub complex is enclosed with the number of monuments and structures which are historically associated with the minaret surround its entire area.
The architectural styles developed over various clans started from the time of Aibak till that of Tughlak as also the materials used under construction of different stages of the tower are conspicuously different. There are various architectures and buildings constructed in the Qutub Complex which surrounds the minaret. The structures inside the complex include the Iron Pillar of Delhi, the Tomb of Imam Zamin, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, and the tomb of Iltutmish and Major Smiths Cupola among others. The tourists may ask for permission to climb up the tower.
Visiting timing
The monument remains open throughout the week from 7:00 Am to 5:00 Pm.
Entry fee
Indians- INR 30 per person.
SAARC’s- INR 30 per person.
Foreigners- INR 500 per person.
Please Note:- Children’s below the age of 15 years are allowed to enter free of cost inside the monuments.
Qutub Minar is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Delhi sightseeing under Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour Package. Discover another wonderful Mughals architectural style in Delhi and admire the beauty of this minaret. In the month of October to November, Qutub Minar complex holds a Sufi singing and Indian classical music and dance performances which lasts for several days. The program starts in the evening at 8:00 pm to 3:00 am in the morning. This is the best way to get indulge in Sufi music and feel the charm of Sufism.
