Qutub Minar is a minaret and “victory tower” that forms part of the Qutb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of South Delhi, India. It was built in the early 13th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and his successors, who were the first Islamic rulers of India. The tower is 72.5 metres high, tapering from 14.32 metres at the base to 2.5 metres at the top, and has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and alternating angular and rounded flutings. The tower is decorated with inscriptions and geometric patterns in the Islamic style, and also incorporates elements from Hindu and Jain temples that were reused as building materials. The Qutb Minar is the tallest masonry tower in India and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Delhi city.
The Qutb complex also contains other monuments and structures, such as the Quwwatu’l-Islam mosque, the oldest in northern India, which was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak using pillars and cladding from 20 Brahman temples. The mosque has a large rectangular courtyard enclosed by arcades and a five-arched screen marking the west. The complex also includes the tomb of Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish, the son-in-law and successor of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who added the third storey to the Qutb Minar. The tomb is a square chamber with intricate carvings and inscriptions in the Saracenic tradition. Another expansion was made by Allaudin Khilji, who added a massive ceremonial gateway (Alai Darwaza) and a madarsa (place of learning) to the complex. The Alai Darwaza is considered a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art, with its red sandstone dome, pointed arches, and marble inlay work.
The Qutb Minar and its monuments are a testimony to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Islamic rulers in India, as well as their aspiration to transform the region from Dar-al-Harb (land of war) to Dar-al-Islam (land of peace). The complex also reflects the cultural and religious diversity of India, as it incorporates elements from different traditions and influences. The Qutb Minar and its monuments are a symbol of the history and heritage of Delhi, and a source of inspiration and pride for its people.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: A Symbol of Islamic Conquest in India
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which means "Might of Islam" in Arabic, is one of the oldest mosques in India. It was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk or Slave dynasty, in 1193 CE, to mark his victory over the Rajputs. The mosque was built on the site of a large temple complex, using the materials and sculptures from 27 Hindu and Jain temples that were demolished by the Muslim invaders. The mosque consists of a rectangular courtyard surrounded by cloisters, with a sanctuary on the western side. The mosque also incorporates the famous Iron Pillar, a 6th-century Gupta monument that has resisted rust for over 1500 years.
The mosque was expanded and renovated by several subsequent rulers, including Aibak's successor Iltutmish, who added a lofty arched screen and a tomb for himself, and Alauddin Khalji, who built the Alai Darwaza, a magnificent gateway with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The mosque is also adjacent to the Qutb Minar, a 73-meter-high victory tower that was started by Aibak and completed by Iltutmish. The Qutb Minar complex, which includes the mosque and other monuments, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Delhi.
The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is a remarkable example of the fusion of Islamic and Indian architectural styles, as well as a testimony of the history and culture of medieval India. The mosque showcases the craftsmanship and skill of the local artisans, who adapted the Hindu and Jain motifs and symbols to create a unique Islamic monument. The mosque also reflects the religious and political dynamics of the time, as it was built to assert the dominance and legitimacy of the new Muslim rulers over the conquered lands and people.
Alai Darwaza: A Masterpiece of Indo-Islamic Architecture
Alai Darwaza, meaning "Gate of Alauddin" in Urdu, is the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Qutb complex, Mehrauli, Delhi, India. It was built by Sultan Alauddin Khalji, the second ruler of the Khalji dynasty, in 1311 CE, to commemorate his successful campaigns in the Deccan region. The gate is considered to be the first building in India to employ Islamic architectural principles in its construction and ornamentation, and is a World Heritage Site along with the other monuments of the complex.
The Alai Darwaza is a square domed gatehouse with arched entrances on each side. It is made of red sandstone with white marble inlays, and has intricate carvings and inscriptions in Arabic. The dome is the first true dome built in India, as previous attempts were either semi-circular or corbelled. The arches are pointed and horseshoe-shaped, a style that was introduced by the Turks in India. The gate also has latticed windows, net stone screens, and floral and geometrical patterns that reflect the fusion of Islamic and Indian art.
The Alai Darwaza is a remarkable example of the skill and craftsmanship of the Turkic artisans who worked on it. It showcases the Saljuqian influence on the Khalji architecture, as well as the adaptation of the local motifs and symbols. The gate is not only a grand and magnificent structure, but also a symbol of the political and religious dominance of the new Muslim rulers over the conquered lands and people.
Iron Pillar: A Marvel of Ancient Metallurgy
Iron Pillar is a historical monument that stands in the Qutub complex in Mehrauli, Delhi, India. It is a 7.21-meter-high column of wrought iron that has not rusted for over 1600 years, despite being exposed to the elements. It is one of the oldest and most mysterious examples of the scientific and engineering achievements of ancient India.
Iron Pillar was constructed by Chandragupta II, the Gupta emperor who ruled from c. 375 to 415 CE. It bears an inscription in Sanskrit that praises his military victories and his devotion to Vishnu, a Hindu deity. The inscription also mentions that the pillar was erected on the hill of Vishnupada, which some scholars identify as the Udayagiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh. The pillar was later moved to its present location by Anangpal Tomar, a Rajput king, in the 11th century.
The most remarkable feature of Iron Pillar is its resistance to corrosion, which has puzzled scientists and archaeologists for centuries. The pillar is made of 98% pure iron, with traces of phosphorus, carbon, and other elements. The iron has a high phosphorus content, which forms a thin layer of iron phosphate on the surface, protecting it from oxidation. The iron also has a low carbon content, which makes it ductile and malleable. The pillar was forged by hammering the iron at high temperatures, rather than casting it in a mold. This process eliminated the impurities and air bubbles that could weaken the metal.
Iron Pillar is a testimony to the advanced metallurgical skills and knowledge of the ancient Indian iron smiths, who were able to produce high-quality iron without the use of modern technology. It is also a symbol of the cultural and political legacy of the Gupta dynasty, which is considered the golden age of Indian civilization. Iron Pillar is a World Heritage Site, along with the other monuments of the Qutub complex, and a popular tourist attraction in Delhi.
Alai Minar: The Unfinished Tower of Delhi
Alai Minar is a half-completed historical structure erected in 1300 CE by one of Delhi’s most ambitious Sultans, Alauddin Khalji, in an effort to surpass the Qutub Minar in height and glory. This 80-foot-tall minar, located near the Qutub Minar, was abandoned soon after Alauddin Khalji died in 1316 CE.
Alauddin Khalji was the second ruler of the Khalji dynasty, who expanded his empire to cover most of India. He was also a patron of architecture and art, and built several monuments in Delhi, including the Alai Darwaza, a magnificent gateway to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. He wanted to erect a tower that would be twice as high as the Qutub Minar, a 73-meter-high victory tower that was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish, the first two Sultans of the Mamluk dynasty.
Alauddin Khalji laid the foundation of the Alai Minar on the northern side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, and planned to build it with red sandstone and white marble. He also intended to decorate it with carvings and inscriptions, similar to the Alai Darwaza. However, his grand project was halted after his death, and none of his successors showed any interest in completing it.
The Alai Minar remains as an unfinished monument in the Qutub complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Delhi. It is a testimony to the ambition and vision of Alauddin Khalji, who wanted to leave a lasting mark on the history and culture of India.
Tomb of Adham Khan: A Monument of Mughal History and Architecture
Tomb of Adham Khan is a 16th-century historical monument located in Mehrauli, Delhi, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1562, as a tribute to his foster brother and general, Adham Khan, who was executed by him for killing his favourite minister, Ataga Khan. The tomb also houses the grave of Adham Khan's mother, Maham Anga, who was Akbar's wet nurse and a powerful figure in his court.
The tomb is situated on the walls of Lal Kot, the first city of Delhi, and is surrounded by an octagonal wall with low towers at the corners. The tomb itself consists of a domed octagonal chamber with a verandah on each side, pierced by three arched openings. The tomb is built in the style of the Lodhi and Sayyid dynasties, which preceded the Mughals, and is considered to be an anomaly in the Mughal architecture, as it does not follow the typical square or rectangular plan. The tomb is also known as Bul-bulaiyan, meaning a labyrinth or a maze, because of the several passages in the thickness of its walls.
The tomb has witnessed many changes and events in its history. In the 1830s, a British officer named Blake converted the tomb into his residence and removed the graves to make way for his dining hall. Later, the tomb was used as a rest house, a police station, and a post office by the British. The tomb was restored and vacated by the orders of Lord Curzon in the early 20th century, and the grave of Adham Khan was brought back to the site. The tomb is now a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India, and is a part of the Qutub complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Delhi.
The tomb of Adham Khan is a remarkable example of the fusion of Islamic and Indian architectural styles, as well as a testimony of the history and culture of medieval India. The tomb showcases the craftsmanship and skill of the local artisans, who adapted the Hindu and Jain motifs and symbols to create a unique Islamic monument. The tomb also reflects the religious and political dynamics of the time, as it was built to honour and dishonour the same person, who was both a loyal general and a traitor to the emperor.
Best Time to Visit Qutub Minar
- The best time to visit Qutub Minar is between November and March, when the weather is cool and dry with February being ideal. The Qutub Minar complex is open daily from sunrise until sunset. The entry timings of Qutub Minar are from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, but the government has extended the time to 9:00 pm to increase the prospects of night tourism.
- The Qutub Minar looks stunning in the golden hue of the setting sun, but if you want to witness the ultimate charm of the minaret, you have got to see it all lit-up at night. The sight of a golden light illuminating the enormous tower is a treat to the eyes.
Tips For Visiting Qutub Minar
- Here are some tips for visiting Qutub Minar and what are all the things allowed and disallowed:
- The Qutub Minar complex is open daily from sunrise until sunset. The entry timings of Qutub Minar are from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, but the government has extended the time to 9:00 pm to increase the prospects of night tourism.
- The entry fee for Qutub Minar is ₹30 per person for Indians, ₹500 per person for foreign tourists, and free for children below 15 years. The fee for still camera is ₹25 and for video camera is ₹25, for non-commercial use.
- The nearest metro station to Qutub Minar is Qutub Minar Metro Station, which is on the Yellow Line. You can also take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from other parts of the city.
- The visitor access to the top of the structure is restricted due to safety concerns. The Qutub complex consists of a lot of structures to visit and will involve a lot of walking around. To counter the heat, wear a cap and carry water bottles.
- Do note that food isn’t allowed inside the Qutub Minar complex. Authorized tourist guides can be hired at the complex but they narrate varied and often concocted tales. Many visitors choose to rent inexpensive audio guides instead and explore at leisure. Alternatively, a handy free audio guide app is available for download.
- The Qutub Minar looks stunning in the golden hue of the setting sun, but if you want to witness the ultimate charm of the minaret, you have got to see it all lit-up at night. The sight of a golden light illuminating the enormous tower is a treat to the eyes.
How To Reach Red Fort
- There are different ways to reach Qutub Minar from Delhi railway station, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some options:
- You can take a bus from Vivekanand Marg / Minto Road to Qutub Minar, which costs ₹5 - ₹25 and takes about 54 minutes.
- You can take the subway from Chawri Bazar to Saket, which costs ₹30 - ₹45 and takes about 54 minutes.
- You can take a taxi from Delhi to Qutub Minar, which costs ₹340 - ₹410 and takes about 17 minutes.
- You can drive from Delhi to Qutub Minar, which costs ₹160 - ₹240 and takes about 17 minutes.
