Qutub Minar history

 

Qutub Minar History



Qutub Minar is a tall, historical victory tower located in Delhi, India.
It is made of red sandstone and marble, and it is the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing about 72.5 meters high.
It was built in the 12th century by rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and is an important symbol of India’s medieval architecture.

Full History of Qutub Minar (Complete Content)

1. Introduction

Qutub Minar is one of India’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It reflects the beginning of Muslim rule in India and shows the brilliance of Indo-Islamic architecture. The monument is located inside the Qutub Complex in Mehrauli, Delhi, which includes many other historical structures.

2. Who Built Qutub Minar?

The construction of the Qutub Minar did not happen at once. It took several rulers to complete it.

(a) Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1192 CE)

  • He founded the Delhi Sultanate.

  • He started the construction of Qutub Minar in 1192.

  • Aibak finished only the first storey.

(b) Shams-ud-din Iltutmish (1211–1236 CE)

  • He added three more storeys to the minar.

  • He completed most of the tower as we see it today.

(c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388 CE)

  • After lightning damaged the top storey, he repaired it and built the fifth and final storey.

Thus, the minar was completed over many years and by multiple rulers.

3. Why Was Qutub Minar Built?

The tower was built for several reasons:

(a) Victory Tower

To celebrate the victory of Muhammad Ghori over the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan.

(b) Symbol of Power

It showed the strength and establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.

(c) Place for Calling Prayers

The tower acted as a minaret, from where the muezzin (prayer caller) announced Islamic prayers.

4. Architecture of Qutub Minar

Height

  • 72.5 meters (approximately 238 feet)

Material Used

  • Red sandstone

  • Marble

Design Features

  • The minar has five storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony.

  • The surface of the tower is decorated with:

    • Arabic and Nagari inscriptions

    • Floral patterns

    • Verses from the Quran

  • The shape is cylindrical, slightly tapering towards the top.

5. Important Structures in the Qutub Complex

(a) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

  • The first mosque built in India after the Islamic conquest.

  • Constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.

(b) Iron Pillar

  • A 1,600-year-old pillar from the Gupta period.

  • Famous because it does not rust easily.

(c) Alai Darwaza

  • Built by Alauddin Khilji.

  • A perfect example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

(d) Alai Minar

  • An unfinished tower by Alauddin Khilji.

  • He planned a tower twice as tall as Qutub Minar, but it was never completed.

6. Earthquakes and Repairs

The tower suffered damage several times due to earthquakes and lightning.
Important repairs were done by:

  • Firoz Shah Tughlaq

  • Sikandar Lodi

  • British officials in the 19th century

These restorations helped preserve the minar as we see it today.

7. Qutub Minar as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1993, Qutub Minar and its surrounding monuments were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This status protects the site and ensures it remains an important symbol of India’s heritage.

8. Conclusion

Qutub Minar is not just a tower—it is a monument that tells the story of India's early medieval history, architectural brilliance, and cultural diversity. It stands as a proud reminder of India’s rich past and continues to attract millions of visitors every year.

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