15 Interesting Facts About Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a 73-meter tall tower located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, India. It is an iconic monument that stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of India. Built in the early 13th century, this sandstone and marble tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. The tower has a unique architecture featuring five storeys, each with its own balconies, and is surrounded by a number of smaller structures. Visitors to the monument can explore the interior of the tower, as well as the many other structures located in the complex, such as the Iron Pillar, the Alai Minar, and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Qutub Minar is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of India.

1. The Incredible Height of the Qutub Minar: The World’s Tallest Brick Minaret

The Qutub Minar is a 73 meter tall brick minaret located in Delhi, India, renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures. Constructed between 1192 and 1220, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited by millions of tourists every year and is considered one of the most beautiful and fascinating structures in the world.

2. The Construction of the Qutub Minar: From Qitub-ud-Din Aibak to Firoz Shah Tuglak

The Qutub Minar is a 72.5 metre high UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Delhi, India. It was first built by Qitub-ud-Din Aibak in 1192 CE and completed by Iltutmish, with a fifth storey added by Firoz Shah Tuglak in 1368. The minar is composed of red sandstone and marble, and its architecture is a combination of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian influences, symbolizing power and the rich culture and history of India.

3. Uncovering the History Behind the Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar was constructed in 1192 by the first Muslim rulers of India, the slave dynasty. The purpose behind erecting the Qutub Minar was to celebrate the Islamic conquest of India and to signify the beginning of the new Islamic dynasty. It was also a symbol of victory and of the might of Islam. It is made of red sandstone and marble and is embellished with intricate carvings, inscriptions and verses from the Qur’an.

4. The Unfinished Dream of Ala-ud-din Khilji: Ala’i Minar

Ala-ud-din Khilji was an ambitious ruler one of the projects he began was the construction of the Ala’i Minar, a large minaret he planned to build in Delhi. Unfortunately, his death in 1316 AD put a stop to the project, leaving the minar unfinished. The only remaining evidence of his dream is a single story of the minar, which stands today in the Qutub complex in Delhi. It’s a reminder of the grand ambition of the ruler and a testament to the power of his vision. The unfinished dream of Ala-ud-din Khilji lives on in the Ala’i Minar, a silent tribute to his greatness.

5. Rebuilding the Top Floor of the Qutub Minar: A Tale of Firoz Shah Tughlaq and White Marble

The Qutub Minar is a famous Indian monument that was restored in the 14th century by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq. He rebuilt its top floor with white marble from the quarries of Jaipur, showing his determination and vision. The top floor is still visible today, a reminder of his efforts.

6. The Amazing Rust-Proof Iron Pillar of Qutub Minar

The Rust-Proof Iron Pillar of Qutub Minar is an engineering marvel located in the Qutub Complex in Delhi, India. It has been standing for over 1500 years and is made of 98% wrought iron, yet is still rust-free. Its construction is a mystery to modern engineers, and it is a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Indian civilization.

7. Exploring the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid: An Early Mosque in India

Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid in Qutub Minar is one of the oldest mosques in India. Built by the first Slave Dynasty ruler of Delhi Sultanate, Qutbuddin Aibak, in the early 13th century, the mosque is an architectural masterpiece. The mosque consists of a prayer hall, arcades, a three-arched screen, and a courtyard with a double-storeyed gateway. The mosque is open to all visitors and is a popular tourist destination in the city of Delhi.

8. Qutb-ud-din’s Screen: A Mesmerizing Blend of Indo-Islamic Style and Koranic Calligraphy

Qutb-ud-din’s Screen is a 15th century marble artifact, displaying a blend of Indo-Islamic style and Koranic calligraphy. It features an inscription in the Thuluth and Naskh scripts surrounded by decorative foliage, geometric patterns, and intricate designs. It is a stunning reminder of the cultural and religious diversity of India, and the artistic prowess of the Islamic world.

9. Destruction of Hindu and Jain Temples by Qutub-ud-din Aibak

It is a sad truth that Qutub-ud-din Aibak have destroyed nearly 27 Hindu and Jain temples before he formed the foundation of the Qutb Minar in Delhi. This is a dark stain on the legacy of the ruler, and the temples destroyed will never be forgotten. Today, the Qutb Minar stands as a reminder of the destruction caused by Aibak, and a testament to the resilience of the people who have been able to rebuild and move on.

10. Qutb Minar: An Axis of Arabic Meaning

The name “Qutb Minar” is derived from an Arabic word, which means “pole” or “axis”. This reflects the original purpose of the tower, which was to serve as the central axis of the city. In addition to its significance in Islamic architecture, Qutb Minar is also a symbol of power and strength, making it a highly revered site in India.

11. The Splendour of Qutub Minar: Balconies on Every Level

Every storey of the Minar has a balcony, providing a remarkable view of the surrounding area. The balconies are made from red sandstone, and have intricate patterns and designs. Each balcony has a unique set of carvings, symbols, and sculptures, making each balcony a work of art. The balconies are an important part of the Minar’s beauty, as they provide a unique vantage point to admire the surrounding area.

12. The Tilted Qutub Minar: A Result of Additions and Renovations

The Tilted Qutub Minar is a 73 metre high tower from the 13th century, originally built by the Delhi Sultanate. It has been extended by three storeys and further decorated with carvings and sculptures. Earthquakes and weathering have caused the minar to tilt slightly, but it has been reinforced and remains standing, making it a popular tourist destination today.

13. Climbing the Qutub Minar: Counting the Steps

The Qutub Minar tower stands tall at a height of 73 meters and is made up of five stories with a total of 379 stairs. The stairs wind up the tower and are made of white marble. Visiting the Qutub Minar is an amazing experience and the view from the top is breathtaking.

14. Tragic Incident at the Minaret: 45 Killed in 1981 Stampede

In 1981, a tragic stampede occurred at the Qutub Minaret in Delhi, India during a Hindu festival, resulting in 45 deaths, many of whom were children. This incident highlighted the need for better crowd control and safety measures in large religious gatherings, and served as a reminder of the importance of protecting people.

15. Ghurid Governance and the Construction of the Qutub Minar

The Ghurid Dynasty is renowned for its impressive architectural feats, particularly the Qutb Minar, a 73-meter tall red sandstone minaret built in 1192. The tower was ordered by the Ghurid sultan, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and is dedicated to the Sufi saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. It stands as a reminder of the Dynasty’s commitment to religious and cultural values, and is a lasting symbol of their legacy.