Your trip to Delhi is incomplete if it doesn’t include a visit to Qutub Minar. Located in Mehrauli in south Delhi, it is one of the oldest surviving minarets in Delhi. Since its construction in 1192 by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, the minaret has tolerated several attacks by natural causes and stands tall to this date. The height of Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters, making it the world’s tallest brick minaret. Qutub Minar in Delhi is a part of the larger Qutub Complex, which consists of several historic monuments. Let’s take a deeper look to understand the history of Qutub Minar and why it’s a significant part of Delhi’s history.
History of Qutub Minar
Who was Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak?
In the 12th century, the northern part of present-day India was once ruled by Muhammed Ghori of the Ghori Empire. Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak was a general in Muhammed Ghori’s army and was in charge of the Ghurid territories in north India. After his death, he formed an independent kingdom under the Mamluk Dynasty after Muhammed Ghori’s death. This kingdom came to be known as Delhi Sultanate.
Who Constructed Qutub Minar?
Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak commissioned the construction of Qutub Minar in 1192, continued by his successor and son-in-law, Iltumish, and finished much later by Feroz Shah Tuglaq in 1368. There remains a debate about whether the minaret is named after Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak or Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, a revered 13th-century saint whom Iltumish, the ruler, held in high regard. Qutub Minar is one of the many historic monuments in the Qutub Complex
Other monuments in the Qutub Complex
1. Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque
This mosque stands as one of the earliest constructions commissioned by Islamic rulers.In 1193, Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak was still a general in Muhammed Ghori’s army when he commissioned the construction of this Jama Masjid (congregational mosque). He simultaneously commissioned the construction of Qutub Minar to leave an imprint of his religion. It is said that the mosque and Qutub Minar were built from the ruins of over 20 Hindu and Jain temples.
2. Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar drew inspiration from the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan. It was built over 150 years ago and is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Tombs
The Qutub Complex houses two tombs. The first is of Iltumish, a.k.a. Altmash, the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. It was built in 1235. The second tomb is of Imam Zamim, an Islamic clerk who immigrated to India from Turkestan during the reign of Sikander Lodi.
The tomb is not related to other monuments. Legend has it that Ali, alternatively known as Muhammad Ali, constructed the tomb himself while Humayun, a Mughal emperor, held sway within the complex in any way.
4. Ala-Ud-Din Khilji’s Tomb
The construction of the Qutub complex was done without hurdles. In 1296, Ala-Ud-Din Khilji took the throne of the Delhi Sultanate and built an L-shaped madrasa in the complex. It is located on the southwest side of the Qutub complex and also houses Khilji’s tomb. This marked the earliest instance of a madrasa and a tomb being built adjacent.
5. Alai Minar
However, Khilji, an insecure ruler, sought to erect a minaret taller than the Qutub Minar. First, he doubled the size of the Quwwat-Ul-Islam mosque. Then, he commissioned the construction of a minaret that was twice the height of Qutub Minar. However, after the death of Ala-Ud-Din Khilji in 1316, the building was abandoned after its completion, which was 25 meters in height. No one of his successors continued the project. The abandoned Alai Minar can be seen in the Qutub complex.
6. Iron Pillar
The Iron Pillar at the Qutub Minar site is regarded as a metallurgical marvel. Initially, this 7.25-metre tall pillar was erected by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya next to a Vishnu Temple complex in Udaygiri around 402. It was shifted to Anangpal in the 10th century, followed by its present location. The pillar, including its bell, weighs over 6000 kg and bears Sanskrit in the Brahmi script.
Damage and Repair of Qutub Minar
Best Time to Visit Qutub Minar
More often than not, you’ll find Qutub Minar on the Delhi honeymoon packages itinerary.
Timing of Qutub Minar
Ticket for Qutub Minar
The ticket price for Qutub Minar for individuals above 15 years of age is Rs 35 for Indian citizens and citizens of SAARC and BIMSTECH countries and Rs 550 for other foreign travelers. for children under 14Entry is free.
Other Historic Places to Visit Around Qutub Minar
Delhi has been a political center for different dynasties for nearly a millennium. You can also visit several historic places like the Qutub Minar.
Red Fort:
Shah Jahan, not just renowned for the Taj Mahal, also commissioned the Red Fort in Delhi, which served as the epicenter of the Mughal Empire for two centuries. Annually, the Prime Minister of India unfurls the national flag here on Independence Day.
Jama Masjid:
Adjacent to the Red Fort stands India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, also a creation of Shah Jahan. This monumental structure can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers at once and offers a serene space for prayers.
