Qutub Minar

Delhi, the capital city of India is the home to some interesting historical places of visit and the Qutub Minar is definitely one of them. Built out of red sandstone, this structure stands tall and is an important landmark of its own city. There are a lot of interesting facts associated with this tower and thus a trip to the Qutub Minar is a must for the visitors. The Qutub Minar is known to be the highest stone tower of India. Its name is included in the list of finest examples of Mughal or rather Islam architecture. However, the main purpose as far as the construction of this tower is concerned, is not very clear. It is suggested that it served the purpose of a minaret to the mosque, situated very close to it and

was made use of by the muezzins for prayer services. While there are others, who are of the belief that it was constructed to celebrate the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom of Delhi at the hands of Qutub-ud-din Aibak.

It is interesting to note that though the construction of this historical structure was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, in 1199 AD, it was completed by his son-in-law, Shamsu’d-Din-Iltutmish, who was also his successor, in 1136 AD. Shamsu’d-Din-Iltutmish added three storeys to the Qutub Minar. Firoz Shah Tuglaq is responsible for the construction of the last or rather the last storey. The inscriptions that grace the surface of this tower reveal the fact that later it was repaired by Sikander Lodi and Major R. Smith (1829). The years that were dedicated by Sikander Lodi for repair was 1489 AD to 1517AD.

All the storeys of the Qutub Minar are circled by a balcony and it is the stone brackets that provide support to this tower. These stone brackets reflect the honey comb design and this design primarily dominates the first storey.

It is 7.25 meters in height and its 379 steps takes one to the top. As far as the diameter of this structure is concerned, it needs to be stated here that diameter of the top floor is 2.7 meters and the diameter of the base is 14.3 meters.

Close to the Qutub Minar, is situated the Iron Pillar. It is an interesting structure and it is believed that that if you encircle this pillar with your arms with your back to the pillar and make a wish, then your wish would definitely come true.