About Qutub Minar in Delhi with History, Architecture, Qutub Complex, Festivals, etc.
Qutub Minar in Delhi is the tallest individual tower in the world and is the 2nd tallest monument. UNESCO World health Heritage site and is the place located in Mehrauli. The construction of the building was started by the founder of Delhi Sultanate, Qutb Ud-Din-Aibak in the year 1192. The tower was later built by various rulers over centuries.
The architecture of the Minar has immaculate carvings from which you can’t take away your eyes. Other than the Qutub Minar, there is the complex which has many other old and precious structures like Alai Darwaza and Iron Pillar. The place will take one to the past history of the country as one roam around the building. The place has become the famous picnic spot for almost every Delhiites.
History of Qutub Minar
The 1st ruler of Delhi Sultanate, Qutb Ud-Din- Aibak built Qutub Minar as the victory against the Last Hindu Empire. Aibak built only the basement and his successors added 3 more storeys on the basement. Due to some natural disasters the monument was damaged further in 1369 the building was completely damaged. The rebuilt work along with the addition of another storey with marbles and red sandstone was done by Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
In 1505, due to earthquake minarets were ruined and Sikandar Lodi reconstructed the top 2 storeys. Again on September 1st of 1803, the monument has undergone through the major earthquake. Later Major Robert Smith of the British Indian Army rebuilt the monument in 1828.
Architecture of Qutub Minar
The monument is of 240 feet tall with 14 meters diameter at the base and 3 meters at the top. One has to climb 379 steps to reach the top of the monument. There is a slight tilt of 65 meters above the ground level. The 5- storey building has been built with marbles and red sandstone.
This is the classical example of Indo-Islamic architecture as the tower was built over years by different rulers. The 1st 3 storeys were built using red stones and were pale. The 4th is with white marble, the last was made of sandstone.
Qutub Complex
Qutub Complex is located in Mehrauli, Delhi. One of the visit to the Qutub Minar it is must to visit the Complex that consists of other monuments like
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: This mosque is built by Qutb- Ud- Din Aibak who was the founder of the Slave dynasty and was the first mosque build in India.
Alai Darwaza: This is the main gateway from the south face of Quwwat-ul-Islam. The domes of the place were decorated with white marbles and the red sandstones.
Iron Pillar: This pillar was constructed by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. The pillar is 7.21 meters tall and weighs more than 6 tonnes.
Alai Minar: Alauddin Khilji started building this but due to the death of Alauddin Khilji in 1316, this was never completed by his successors.
Festivals celebrated in Qutub
The Qutub festival was celebrated in the months of November to December in Qutub Minar. This festival is celebrated for 3 days and exhibits the past glory of India to the entire world.
Timings
This monument will be open every day of the week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Time to be spent
One can spend a maximum of 2 to 3 hours to know the glory of ancient India.
Entry fee
For Indians, the entry is just Rs 10 and for Foreigners, the entry is Rs 250 per person.
How to Reach
Delhi Airport to Qutub Minar – 14 KM
Delhi Railway Station to Qutub Minar – 15 KM
Delhi Bus Station to Qutub Minar – 28 KM
Address
Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030, India
Contact Number
For More details and tour booking and for hotel bookings please contact – 8500898000, 9393939150 or visit our site www.tripnetra.com