Discover the world's highest brick minaret, a landmark of early 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:
* Qutub Minar: A monument reflecting ambition, triumph, and endurance, built across eras of Delhi's rulers.
* The Qutub Minar: Centuries of power, from sultans to the Raj, etched in stone, showcasing ambition and survival.
* Qutub Minar's story: An enduring tale of aspiration, conquest, and strength, molded by Delhi's changing empires.
* From Delhi's Sultanate to the Raj, the Qutub Minar stands: A testament to ambition, victory, and lasting influence.
Founding & Construction (12th - 14th Century)
The Qutub Minar's history starts with the Delhi Sultanate. In **1192**, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Delhi Sultan, ordered its construction to mark triumph over Delhi's prior Hindu ruler. Aibak built the base and first level of this "victory tower" before he died. Around 1220 CE, **Shamsuddin Iltutmish**, his successor, added three additional stories.
Over time, various rulers shaped the structure. In **1368**, following a lightning strike that hit the top, **Firuz Shah Tughlaq** rebuilt the minaret, adding the **fifth and final level**, and thus completing its current height.
The Qutb Complex: Beyond the Minar
Later periods saw the Qutub complex develop further. Central to the courtyard stands the **Iron Pillar**, a 4th-century marvel relocated here pre-minaret. Its rust-resistant state showcases ancient Indian skill. The unfinished **Alai Minar**, begun by Alauddin Khalji in 1311, is also within.
Restoration and Recognition
**In 1993, the Qutb Minar complex gained UNESCO World Heritage status, acknowledging its profound historical importance.**
Architecture & Design: Indo-Islamic Fusion
Style and Materials
The Qutub Minar is renowned for its **Indo-Islamic style**, blending Central Asian Islamic design with native artistry. This minaret boasts a tapering form with **five unique levels**, each featuring a balcony that extends outward.
The initial three floors were built of **red sandstone**. The subsequent two (Tughlaq's addition) feature **marble** accents and sandstone, lending a paler tone. Its base measures roughly **14.3 meters** across, narrowing to **2.7 meters** at its apex.
Decorative Features & Calligraphy
The facade is lavishly adorned. The tower's walls display **vertical grooves** of varying curve and sharpness, producing visual dynamism. Each level boasts an elaborate balcony sustained by **stone corbels** crafted in intricate, cellular designs (*muqarnas*).
The sandstone walls display inscriptions: elegant **Arabic script**, mostly Quranic verses, and also texts in **Nagari script**. This linguistic mix mirrors cultural fusion 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**. It's open from **sunrise (around 7 AM)** until **sunset** (5-6 PM). **Ideal Visit Times:** Oct-Mar offers great weather, or mornings for 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
Here are a few rewritten options, maintaining similar length and focus:
**Option 1 (Concise):**
> Yellow Line Delhi Metro gets you fastest to Qutub Minar Station ($1.5 \, \text{km}$). Taxis and ride-hails are convenient. Address: Mehrauli, Delhi 110030.
**Option 2 (Slightly more detail):**
> Take the Yellow Line Delhi Metro to Qutub Minar Station ($1.5 \, \text{km}$). Cabs and ride-sharing services are easy to find. Located in Mehrauli, Delhi 110030.
**Option 3 (Emphasis on simplicity):**
> Best access is the Delhi Metro's Yellow Line (Qutub Minar Station, $1.5 \, \text{km}$). Taxis and apps are available. Address: Mehrauli, New Delhi, 110030.
All options prioritize speed of access, mention the Metro, offer alternative transport, and include the address. The best choice depends on the specific context.
Quick FAQs
Is photography allowed at Qutub Minar?
Photography permitted for personal use only. No drones allowed.
Can visitors climb to the top of Qutub Minar?
Here are a few options, all similar in length:
* The tower's interior is off-limits since '81, due to safety.
* Public access to the tower's interior ceased in 1981, for safety.
* Entry to the tower has been closed to visitors since 1981, for security.
* Safety concerns led to closure of tower entry to the public in 1981.
Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?
Here are a few options, all similar in length:
* **Parts of the central area offer accessibility, using some paved routes.**
* **Paved pathways provide partial access to the main building's complex.**
* **The central complex is partly accessible, thanks to some paved walkways.**
* **Accessibility is limited, with some paved areas within the complex.**