Qutb Minar – History, Architecture & Facts | Iconic Delhi Monument
When you are in Delhi, and you wish to explore the combination of architecture and history. Qutb Minar is the perfect place to add to your list. The Qutb Minar is more than just a monument; it is a work of art that represents endurance, art, and history. The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of South Delhi and it is a most popular historical site in the city.
Architecture in Sandstone: The Tower That That Whispered to the Clouds
The architecture of the Qutb Minar in Mehrauli, Delhi, is a structure of brick with a height of 72.5 meters. It is considered as the tallest brick minaret in the world. The tower’s graceful tapering shape narrows to just 2.7 meters at its highest point from a base diameter of 14.3 meters. Inside, a 379-step spiral staircase leads to the top. Just over 65 cm, the minaret leans slightly, but it is still safely standing construction. The historic Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is located at its foot, and the tower itself has inscriptions from several ages in Persian, Arabic, and Nagari that tell a fascinating story. Sikandar Lodi and Firuz Shah Tughlaq rulers renovated and restored the minaret. This structure is not just a monument but it is an architectural wonder throughout India. Let’s get the detailed architecture of the Qutb Minar.
From Base to Brilliance: Exploring Qutb Minar’s Rising Stories
Basement:
The basement of the Qutb Minar is supported by a solid circular foundation and the material used in construction is red and grey sandstone. The basement story, the lowest level, was finished under Ghiyath al-Din Muhammad’s Ghurid dynasty. Twelve semicircular and twelve flanged pillars, placed alternately, adorn this story in a magnificent manner. A twelve-pointed star that has been carved around the base gives the construction a unique creative touch.
The basement level is famous for the beautiful naskh-style Islamic calligraphy. In addition to the names and lofty titles of monarchs like Ghiyath al-Din and Mu’izz al-Din, it has six bands of Quranic inscriptions that include phrases from Sura II, Sura LIX, and Sura XLVIII. Muhammad of Ghor is also praised, underscoring the tower’s profound historical significance.
Second, third and fourth floor:
The first Muslim ruler of Delhi and the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, Sham ud-Din Iltutmish, constructed the next three levels. The second and third stories are finished with semicircular and flanged pillars that alternate, and are crowned with ornate balconies that are held up by Muqarnas corbels. Originally intended in a similar style, the fourth storey was eventually reconstructed in white marble, which gave it a more subtle yet elegant aspect.
Fifth storey:
The fourth level of the Qutb Minar was damaged in 1369. The fourth story was expanded and divided into parts that repair work done by Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq. After that this floor splits into two parts. Due to this change and restoration bring another dimension to the tower’s remarkable history, it also slightly changed the tower’s original appearance.
Ruins, Rebirth, and Reverence: History Behind the Minar
On the ruins of Lal Kot, the old stronghold of Dhillika, the Qutb Minar is a stunning structure. Following Qutub-ud-Din Aibak’s construction of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in approximately 1199, the minaret’s construction was eventually finished by Shamsuddin Iltutmish. Inspired by their native Ghur, they created the minar as a magnificent representation of glory.
Some historians believe that the tower may honor Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, a revered Sufi saint, whom Iltutmish deeply admired. The Qutb Complex is made up of the Qutb Minar and a number of other significant structures. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the earliest mosque constructed in Delhi, is notable among them. According to inscriptions at the site, it was constructed in 1199 and had a courtyard surrounded by cloisters constructed from the pillars of 27 destroyed Hindu and Jain temples.
The popular Iron Pillar, which was built in the fourth century AD, is also located in the mosque courtyard. The pillar exhibits very little rust even after centuries, and its Sanskrit inscription, which mentions King Chandra, is still a wonder.
The adjoining building called “Smith’s Folly” has a fascinating backstory. During repair Major Robert Smith attempted to add a sixth level to the minaret by adding an additional dome during the 19th century. Because of its strange appearance, this design eventually fell apart in 1848. East of the Minar, is now on the ground.
Earthquakes destroyed the structure in 1505 and 1803, but British officials like Major Smith and kings like Sikander Lodi repaired it. One of India’s revered landmarks, the Qutb Minar was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993 in recognition of its cultural and historical significance.
The Ghurids – From Nomads to Monument Builders:
The Ghurids were a people originally from the Afghan mountains who created the Qutb Minar. They became known as the Shansabanis and were once nomads, eventually settled down, united their tribes, and converted to Islam.
The Ghurids acquired Delhi and other areas of northern India and Pakistan by the late 1100s. Following his takeover of Delhi in 1193, Qutb al-Din Aibak, a Ghurid chieftain, started construction on the Qutb Minar.
The tower was initially believed to be constructed to promote Islam, but historians now think it was also intended to combine Islamic and ancient Indian customs. The Qutb Minar serves as a representation of the Ghurids’ effort to combine traditions rather than impose them.
Reflections on Qutub Minar – Where Soul and Stone Meet:
In my view The Qutb Minar, is a living example of India’s history rather than only a monument. A combination of civilizations, dynasties, and time-tested craftsmanship can be seen in each brick, pillar, and inscription. The tower’s development over the centuries, with each monarch adding their own touches without destroying the previous ones, particularly attracted me. You may appreciate its ageless beauty while feeling the weight of history when you stand beneath it. Because of its size, age, and the stories it contains, I truly think Qutb Minar should be at the top of your list if you ever visit Delhi.
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