QUTUB COMPLEX

Qutub Minar: Where Delhi's History Begins

Discover the world's tallest brick minaret and the birth of Indo-Islamic design.

72.5

Meters Tall

World's tallest brick minaret.

1192

Commissioned

By Qutb-ud-din Aibak as a victory tower.

UNESCO

World Heritage Site

Inscribed in 1993 for its significance.

Detailed Exploration

History: From Aibak to UNESCO

Here are a few options, all similar in length: * The Qutub Minar tells a story of rulers, ambition, and survival, spanning dynasties from Sultanate to Raj. * Centuries of power built the Qutub Minar: a monument to ambition, triumph, and endurance through empires. * From Sultanate to Raj, the Qutub Minar embodies centuries of ambition, victory, and the strength to endure. * Ambitious rulers and lasting victory: the Qutub Minar's story, forged over centuries, from Delhi to the British.

A wide view of the Qutub Minar complex including the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

Founding & Construction (12th - 14th Century)

Here's a rewritten version of similar length: The Qutub Minar's history starts with the Delhi Sultanate. Commissioned in **1192** by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Delhi's inaugural Sultan, the tower marked victory over the city's final Hindu ruler. Aibak built the foundation and just the first level before he passed away. Around 1220 CE, **Shamsuddin Iltutmish**, his successor, added three more stories.

Yet the current form stems from varied additions. In **1368**, after a lightning strike, **Firuz Shah Tughlaq** rebuilt the minar, adding the **fifth level** and achieving its final height.

The Qutb Complex: Beyond the Minar

Over time, the Qutub complex expanded. A key landmark is the **Iron Pillar of Delhi**, from the 4th century, predating the minar; it resists rust, showcasing ancient Indian skill. The complex also features the uncompleted **Alai Minar**, a project initiated by Alauddin Khalji in 1311.

Restoration and Recognition

In **1993**, recognizing its importance, the **Qutb Minar and its structures** gained UNESCO World Heritage status.

Architecture & Design: Indo-Islamic Fusion

Style and Materials

Here's a rewritten version of similar length: Qutub Minar is famed for its **Indo-Islamic style**, blending Central Asian Islamic design with regional art. This tower boasts a **five-tiered structure**, its form a tapering cylinder with prominent balconies.

The initial floors used **red sandstone**, contrasting with the later, Tughlaq-era levels that included **marble** accents within the sandstone, lightening the tower's appearance. The base measured roughly **$14.3 \, \text{m}$** in diameter, narrowing to approximately **$2.7 \, \text{m}$** at its peak.

Close-up of the intricate stone fluting and calligraphy on the Qutub Minar's exterior.

Decorative Features & Calligraphy

The outside boasts intricate adornment. The tower is **ribbed**, featuring curving and sharp forms that shift as it climbs. Balconies, held by **stone corbels** shaped like honeycombs (*muqarnas*), grace each level.

Sandstone surfaces bear inscribed bands, showcasing both elegant **Arabic script** (mostly Quranic verses) and **Nagari script**. This linguistic mix reflects cultural exchange during the Sultanate era.

Key Dimensions

Feature Measurement
Total height $\approx 72.5 \, \text{m} \, (238 \, \text{ft})$
Diameter at base $\approx 14.3 \, \text{m} \, (47 \, \text{ft})$
Steps (internal) 379 steps (closed to public)

Plan Your Visit: Timings, Tickets, and Tips

Ticketing and Timings

Qutub Minar welcomes guests **daily** (7 days). It's accessible from **dawn (around 7:00 AM)** until **dusk** (roughly 5:00 PM winter, 6:00 PM summer). **Ideal Visit:** October-March (weather) or early morning (fewer people).

Visitor Category Ticket Price
Indian Citizens (Adults) ₹40 (on-site) / ₹35 (online)
Foreign Tourists (Adults) ₹600 (approx. US \$7)
Children (under 15 years) Free entry

Booking online is recommended to skip the queue.

Must-See Highlights

  • **Iron Pillar:** The 4th-century rust-resistant metallurgical marvel.
  • **Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque:** Ruins of India’s earliest mosque.
  • **Alai Darwaza:** The intricately carved southern gateway.
  • **Alai Minar:** The massive, unfinished tower project.
  • **Tomb of Iltutmish:** Ornate red sandstone tomb (1235 CE).

Transportation

Take the **Delhi Metro Yellow Line** to **Qutub Minar Station** (1.5km). Taxis & app cabs are plentiful. Located in **Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030**.

Quick FAQs

Is photography allowed at Qutub Minar?

Photography for personal use is permitted. Drones are not allowed.

Can visitors climb to the top of Qutub Minar?

Here are a few options, all similar in length to the original: * Public access to the tower ceased in 1981, due to safety concerns. * The tower's interior has been off-limits since 1981, due to safety protocols. * For safety, the tower's public entry has been closed since 1981. * Entry to the tower is restricted since 1981, a safety measure.

Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?

Here are a few options, all similar in length: * Some areas of the main complex have paved pathways. * Paved paths offer limited access to the main complex. * Partial access to the complex exists, with some paved areas. * The main complex is partly reachable via paved paths.