Architecture of Qutub Minar in
India
The lofty erection is 72.5 m high. It's tapering look, with a diameter
of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top, is visible from a
distance of few kilometers. The tower is ornamented by bands of
inscriptions and by four projecting balconies, supported by elaborately
decorated brackets.
The tower was built in three stages, Qutab-ud-Din completed the first
storey. Second, third and the fourth were completed by his successor and
son-in -law, Iltutmish in about 1230 AD. The Minar was first struck by
lightening in AD 1368 and the fallen top storey was replaced by two
storeys's, the fourth and the fifth in 1370 AD by Feroz Shah Tughlaq .
A door to the northern side leads inside the tower to a spiral stairway
with 379 steps, that winds its way up to the balcony in each floor, and
culminating in a platform at the top. The intricate balconies held
together by stalactite vaulting technique and patterned with honey
combing is a special feature of the minar.
Attractions Near the Minar
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque - Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to
the northeast of Minar was built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1198 AD. It is
the earliest mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. The Mosque consists of a
rectangular courtyard enclosed by abbeys, erected with the carved
columns and architectural beauty of 27 Hindu and Jain temples, which
were demolished by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak as recorded in his inscription on
the main eastern entrance.
The Iron Pillar - Within the mosque complex is the
Iron Pillar, which dates back to 4th century AD. The pillar's
inscription states that it was erected as a flagstaff in honour of the
Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II
(BC 375-413). The pillar also highlights ancient India's achievements in
metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood
1,600 years without rusting.
With in the mosque complex is the Iron Pillar, which dates back to 4th
century AD. The pillar bears an inscription, which states that it was
erected as a flagstaff in honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the
memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II (BC375-413). The pillar also
highlights ancient India's achievements in metallurgy. The pillar is
made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years without
rusting or decomposing
The Tomb of Iltutmish - The Tomb of IItutmish built
in 1235 AD, is a plain square chamber made of red sandstone. It is
profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns
in saracenic tradition at the entrance and the whole of interior. It is
said that it earlier had a dome, which fell down because the walls could
not bear its weight.
Alai Darwaza - Known as the southern gateway of the
Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, it was constructed by Ala-ud-Din Khalji in AD
1311. The gateway is the example of the use of horse shoe- arch and true
dome for the first time.
The Tomb of IItutmish was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square
chamber made of red sandstone. It is profusely carved with inscriptions,
geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the
entrances and the whole of interior. It s said that it earlier had a
dome, which fell down because the walls could not bear its weight.
Accommodation in New Delhi
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