Qutub Minar history is a minaret or victory tower in the Qutub Minar timings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli district of Delhi. At a height of 72.5 meters (238 feet), Qutub Minar is the second tallest monument in Delhi. Qutb Ud-Din-Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate began his rule in 1192 when he defeated the last Hindu ruler of Delhi. Also, He built a basement, after which the construction was take over by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish who built three more floors. Firoz Shah Tuglak built the fourth and fifth floors.
History of Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar was built in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, to mark his victory against the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. It is not clear whether the minaret is dedicate to the Qutub Minar history Sufi saint, Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki or not. Aibak build only the basement of the monument and three floors were add by his successor, Iltutmish.
Unfortunately, this historical monument faced a few natural disasters. In 1369 AD, severe lightning struck the top storey of the minaret, damaging it completely. Then, Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the monument and Qutub Minar history added another storey made of marble and red sandstone. Again, in 1505, an earthquake ruined the minaret. Sikandar Lodi, who was the Sultan at that time reconstructed the top two Storeys of the minaret with marbles.
That was not the end. The monument was hit yet again by a major earthquake on September 1, 1803. It was reduce to wreck after which Major Robert Smith of the British Indian Army rebuilt it in 1828. He also install a cupola atop the tower. However, in 1848, it was uninstalled on the command of the then Governor-General of India, Henry Hardinge. Today, that cupola is on the ground floor to the east of Qutub Minar.
About Qutub Minar, Delhi
One of the most popular places to see in Delhi, Qutub Minar history (Hindi: क़ुतुब मीनार, Urdu: قطب مینار) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. Owing to its worldwide popularity Qutub Minar has become an integral part of every Delhi Tour.
Delhi Qutub Minar boasts of being one of the tallest minarets in the world as the height of Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters. Built in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, it is consider to first building, marking the arrival of Muslim rulers in the country. Although there are also a few contradicting theories on the same.
Surrounded by an appealing garden, Qutub Minar history creates a sight worth remembering. Tourists also come to relax here at the garden and admiring the imposing figure of the minaret. Most of them can see taking photos of this stunning architecture, to remember the experience through Qutub Minar images.
Architecture of Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar Highlights
1. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Located within the Qutub Minar complex at Mehrauli in Delhi, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (translating to ‘Might of Islam’) was build by the Mamluk ruler Qutub-ud-din Aibak. Yet another feather in the cap of Delhi, And the monument is the first mosque to be build in the city after the Islamic conquest of India and is known as a celebration of the Muslim Rule.
2. Alai Darwaza
It is the main gateway from the southern side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Built by the second Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1311 AD, it is an important structure of Delhi. It has domes decorated with red sandstone and white marbles.
3. Iron Pillar
The pillar was construct by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. It is 7.21-metre high and weighs more than six Tonnes. The fascinating fact about the Iron Pillar is that it has not been rusted since the day it was erected. Meanwhile Another striking feature of the Qutub Complex is the Tomb of Iltutmish who the second Sultan of Delhi was. In the center of the tomb, the main cenotaph of white marble is placed on a raised platform. It has awe-inspiring Islamic architecture.
4. Alai Minar
Among the many historical monuments present within the Qutub Minar complex, Alai Minar stands apart as it has left incomplete. The construction was start by the Ilbari ruler Alauddin Khilji as a project to build a miner higher than the Qutub Minar. For Instance, The ruler had high ambitions and want to credit for many monuments of grandeur and splendour.
After winning the Deccan war, he indulged in making modifications to the famous Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque within the same complex. Once the mosque was double in size, Khilji proceed to construct the highest tower as a mark of his prowess and victory.
However, the Minar was left incomplete as the king die in 1316 AD, very soon after the construction of the tower began. The complete description of the king’s intentions and the construction of the Minar is mention in Amir Khusro’s book ‘Tarikh-e-Alai’.
5. Tomb of Adham Khan
Adham Khan’s Tomb located in the North of Qutub Minar is a 16th-century tomb of Adham Khan. Because He was a general of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Quick Qutub Minar Facts
- Type: Monument
- Status: UNESCO world heritage site
- Qutub Minar Height: 72.5 meters
- Qutub Minar diameter at the base: 14.32 meters (47 feet)
- Qutub Minar diameter at the top: 2.75 meters (9 feet)
- Qutub Minar floors: 5 storeys
- Location: Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli
- Nearest Metro station to Qutub Minar: Qutub Minar Metro Station
- Qutub Minar Built by: Qutub-ud-din Aibak while the additions were made by his successors Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Qutub Minar Timings
Qutub Minar timings are from 7 AM to 5 PM. The opening time of Qutub Minar tickets is 7 AM and it is best to visit the monument during early morning hours to avoid the crowd. In Addition The closing time of Qutub Minar is 5 PM. It is open all days of the week.
Similarly The entry fee of Qutub Minar tickets is Rs.30 per person for Indian residents, while for the foreign tourists, the ticket charges are Rs.500 per person.
Qutub Minar Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Qutub Festival
Best Time To Visit Qutub Minar
Trivia About Qutub Minar
2. Earlier, the general public was allow to access Qutub Minar height the top of the tower but on December 4, 1981, due to electricity failure, 45 people were kill in a stampede. Therefore, the public was denied entering into Qutub Minar.
3. Popular Bollywood actor, Dev Anand want to Qutub Minar tickets shoot one of the songs of his film inside the minaret. However, the cameras did not fit inside the tower. So, the song shot in the replica of Qutub Minar.
Entry Fee:
- 30 per person for Indians
- 0 per child (below 15 Years)
- 500 per person for Foreign Tourists
- 25 for Still Camera (non-commercial use)
- 25 for Video Camera (non-commercial use)
