Qutub Minar, Delhi
Qutub Minar is one of India's most spectacular monuments that can be lauded as 'landmarks in the history of architecture.' Qutub Minar is closely identified with Delhi, as Leaning tower is identified with Pisa. Qutub Minar was built in 1199 by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak. The purpose of building this beautiful monument is not very clear. Some believe that it was built as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India, while others say it was used by the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer.
Qutub Minar continues to be the highest red sandstone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. It is 72.5 meters high and the diameter of the base is 14.3 meters while the top floor measures 2.7 meters in diameter. One has to climb 379 steps to get to the top Tower. The minaret is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Koran.
The Qutub Minar has a great significance in the history of Indian Culture. Qutub Minar, the first monument of Muslim rule in India foretells the beginning of a new style of art and architecture, Indo-Islamic style. The Qutub Minar and the other buildings surrounding it perfectly represents the Delhi style of Indo-Islamic art and architecture. The Qutub Minar is considered to be one of the most perfect towers in the world.
History
Qutub Minar was commenced by the first Muslim ruler of India, Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, in 1193 AD. But Qutub-ud-din-Aibak could only complete its basement. The successor of Aibak, Iltutmush continued the work and added three more stories, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tuglak constructed the fifth and the last storey of the Minaret. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tuglak can be apparently seen in the Minaret.
Other Monuments close to Qutub Minar:
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque- The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque close to the Qutub Minar was the first mosque to be built in India. Built by Qutub-ud-din aibak using parts of 27 Jain and Hindu temples, this mosque present both Indian and Islamic features. Today the mosque is in ruins, but one can see the arches, floral motifs, squinches, calligraphy and geometric patterns carved on the mosque.
Other monuments built subsequently include, the Ala-I-Darwaza and the Alai Minar built by Ala-ud-din Khilji (1296-1316).
To the west of the mosque is another remarkable building-the tomb of Iitutmish built by the monarch in 1235. The other tomb in the Qutub complex include those of Ala-ud-din-Khilji, Imam Zambian, a Sufi saint from Turkestan.
Iron Pilla- The Iran Pillar is another curious structures of Delhi residing close to the mosque.
This 4th century, pillar bears an inscription which states that it was raised as a flagstaff in honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II(375-413). The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. This highlights ancient India's achievements in metallurgy.
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