Knowledge about historical monuments of India Part – 7 THE QUTUB MINAR

 Knowledge about historical monuments of India

Part – 7

THE QUTUB MINAR

The Qutub Minar is a red sandstone tower in Delhi, India that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

● Height: 72.5 meters tall

● Construction: Started in 1199 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and completed in 1220 by Ittutimish

● Features:  A spiral staircase with 379 steps, ornate balconies, and inscriptions from various languages and eras

● Architecture: An example of Indo-Islamic architecture, combining elements from both Indian and Islamic styles

● Location: In the Mehrauli area of South Delhi, on the site of Delhi’s oldest fortified city, Lal Kot

● Significance: A symbol of victory and the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate

● Surrounding area: Contains funerary buildings, including the Alai-Darwaza Gate and the Quwwatu’l-Islam mosque

● Popularity: One of the most-frequented heritage spots in the city

Here are some more details about the Qutub Minar:

● The tower’s base has a diameter of 14.32 meters, while its peak is 2.75 meters in diameter.

● The tower’s first three stories are made of fluted red sandstone, while the top two stories are made of marble and sandstone.

● The tower’s walls feature designs depicting stories from Indian mythology and history.

● The tower’s second story balconies are supported by pillars decorated with floral motifs and Hindu deities such as Ganesha and Kubera.