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QUTUB MINAR DELHI
INTRODUCTION
Located in Mehrauli, in southern Delhi, just 16
kilometers from the central circle of Connaught
Place (Rajeev Chowk) stands the world famous, red
sandstone and marble, tower of victory, the Qutab
Minar. Qutab Minar is the highest stone tower in
India. The tower is built by king Qutubuddin Aibak
one of the famous sultan of slave dynasty.
HISTORY OF QUTUB MINAR
Among Delhites there are lots of other theories
about the origin of the tower. Some say it was the
observatory of the great scientist Aryabhatta of
ancient India, other claim that it was built by
Prithvi Chauhan for his daughter to see the Yamuna.
In fact everything short of an extraterrestrial
origin has been attributed to it. The presence of
the ancient non-rusting Iron Pillar within the
complex further appears to add credence to the first
theory. However the tower, its entire design and
architecture are undisputedly Islamic and all the
other theories are just matters of wild surmise.
DESCRIPTION OF QUTUB MINAR
The fifth floor was completed by Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
The word Qutab Minar means ‘Axis Minaret’. The
sculptures and the characters that are portrait are
all Islamic characters, the Arabic inscriptions
gives the details of the Islamic teachings and you
can have close look towards the religion. The
northern door opens to the stairways of 379 steps
that will take you to the upper floors. Due to the
safety of the visitors the staircase has been
closed.
The tower had a crowning cupola on the top at one
time, however this was struck down sometime in the
early 19th century, an earthquake felled it. This
was replced by a well meaning English engineer Major
Smith. However it must have looked quite an eyesore
for when Lord Hardinge was Governor-general of
British India, he had it removed. You can see it now
on the spruce lawns of the Qutub complex. Come to
think of it, it must have been eyesore – it's called
Smith’s folly.
HOW TO REACH QUTAB MINAR
Air- Delhi has an international Airport, the Indira
Gandhi International Airport. Taxi and Coach
Transfer, pre paid taxis, air conditioned and non
A/C coaches all can take you to the Qutab Minar from
the Airport.
Rail- Delhi is also the hub of Indian railways
Network with trains running to and from all parts of
the country.
Road- Buses from all the major places in Uttar
Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting to
Delhi. During the summer months, air-conditioned
coaches are recommended. Delhi Transport Corporation
(DTC) operates special services from railway
stations to different parts of the city.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to March
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