Qutub Minar: History, Timings, Significance & Facts

The Qutub Minar is one of India’s most famous and well-known monuments, attracting thousands of visitors every year. This huge victory tower stands tall at 72.5 meters, making it the tallest brick tower in the world. Located in the historical city of Delhi, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the early 1200s to show the start of the Delhi Sultanate. It was originally built with Afghan architectural skill under the orders of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. It has stood strong over the centuries as a symbol of the Islamic conquest of India.

In this article, we will go into the rich history of the Qutub Minar, from its beginning in the 1200s to the repair efforts of modern times. We’ll talk about the landmark’s detailed carvings, its towering height of five different stories, and the importance it has had for various rulers of India over the ages. Located just a short distance from India Gate, another monument of historical significance, the Qutub Minar provides insight into Delhi’s heritage as the enduring capital of India. Whether you’re planning your first visit to see this architectural wonder in person or are simply interested to learn more about it, this essay covers the timeline, relevant historical information, and fascinating intricacies of the Qutub Minar.

About Qutub Minar

Standing over 72 meters tall, the Qutub Minar is a towering victory tower that represents the architectural skill of its creators. Located in Delhi, India, this tower was built in the early 1200s under the orders of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk dynasty in India. It was built to show the triumph of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent, marking the establishment of Islamic dynasties that would hold power in the region for several centuries.

The Qutub Minar has ornate carvings, intricate designs, and skillfully written inscriptions etched into red sandstone and marble. Through its five tiers, the tower tapers upward, with carved bands of Islamic texts wrapped around each level. Surrounded by well-maintained gardens, the Qutub complex also contains the famous Iron Pillar of Delhi and the ruins of the ancient Quwat-ul-Islam mosque – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Indo-Islamic architecture.

History of Qutub Minar

The foundation of the Qutub Minar was laid in 1199 AD by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who became the first Sultan of Delhi after conquering the city. He started constructing the victory tower to celebrate the Muslim conquest of Delhi and establish Islamic rule in India. After his death, the tower was completed in 1236 AD by his successor, Iltutmish. Built using red sandstone and marble, the Qutub Minar stands at a towering height of 72.5 meters, making it the tallest brick minaret in the world. Over the next several centuries, despite consistent threats of earthquakes and lightning strikes, the tower remarkably survived intact.

Several rulers carried out repair work and added additional stories – Firoz Shah Tughlaq replaced the fourth story, and much later, floods damaged the foundations which were repaired by Major Smith in 1828. The building complex around Qutub Minar saw additions of many secondary monuments like Ala’i Darwaza and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque which expanded the original construction. Today, the Qutub Minar stands tall as the most iconic surviving example of Indo-Islamic architecture, attracting visitors from all over India and the world.

Architecture of Qutub Minar

The architecture of the Qutub Minar is a stunning exemplar of Indo-Islamic building style. It towers at 72.5 meters made completely of red sandstone and marble. The tower has five distinct stories, each with a beautifully decorated balcony encircling it. The first three stories consist of angular stone carvings, but the top two present more rounded designs bearing clear Islamic influences like circular carvings and onion-shaped domes. Its tapering structure makes the tower seem taller than it actually stands.

The outer walls bear intricate carvings showcasing exquisite Islamic calligraphy and patterns. Originally, the entrance was built to face the Quwwat ul-Islam mosque nearby but an additional entryway was made later on. The inside contains a spiral staircase with 379 steps leading all the way to the top. But public access now is only allowed till the first story. The towering structure offers breathtaking bird’s eye views of Delhi from its top. Even though it bears some damage from natural calamities over time, the Qutub Minar is regarded globally as one of India’s most brilliant architectural innovations for its scale, beauty and unique blending of Islamic and Indian artistry.

Visiting Hours & Entry Fees of Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar complex is open year-round except on Fridays when it closes for prayers. The entry timings are from sunrise to sunset. The sunrise timing changes depending on the season – it opens at 6 AM in the summer and 7 AM in winter. Last entry for visitors is 30 mins before actual sunset so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

There are different entry fee rates to access the Qutub Minar. For domestic tourists, the ticket price is Rs 35 per head. Foreign tourists end up paying around Rs 550. There are additional charges for accessing the tower’s interior or museum area. Students can avail special discounts on showing valid ID cards. Children under 15 years enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

Things to Do at Qutub Minar

Here are some things to do at Qutub Minar:

1. Take a guided tour to understand the intricate architectural details of the Minar and other monuments in the complex. See the extraordinary calligraphy on the walls.
2. Examine the materials like sandstone and marble that were used to construct this long-lasting Minar. Appreciate the craftsmanship.
3. Don’t forget to enjoy the panoramic views of Delhi city from the top accessible floor of the Minar.
4. Check out the tall Iron Pillar next to the Minar which has ancient inscriptions but barely any rust. Marvel at how advanced the metallurgy was back then.
5. Explore Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque which has stunning Indo-Islamic architecture as it was the first mosque built in India.
6. Photography enthusiasts can click lots of Instagram-worthy pictures with the Minar being the background.
7. Buy souvenirs and handicraft items from local shops as mementos of your visit to this historic site.
8. Sit on the lawns and watch the changing hues on the Minar as the sun sets. The golden Hour is great for photographs.

There’s lot to experience at the Qutub Minar complex beyond just the Minar itself.

Best time to visit Qutub Minar

Since it is an outdoor monument, the best time to visit the Qutub Minar depends a lot on the weather. The months between October to March are pleasant for a trip as day temperatures are around 25°C, especially late fall and winter. The weather lets you explore comfortably without worrying about heat or sudden rains. While afternoons get a little hot, mornings are cooler to admire the detailed carvings on the Minar up close or photograph it peacefully without large tourist crowds seen later.

Summers should be avoided as temperatures often cross 40°C making it tough to climb the narrow, crowded stairs inside. Similarly, the rainy season from July to September gets heavy rainfall that can damage the fragile structure. However, visiting off-season means shorter queues and cheaper hotels in the area to stay. So for favorable Delhi sightseeing that lets you take in the grandness of India’s largest surviving medieval tower at your own pace, the months from October to early March give you the best experience without weather issues. Winters allow enjoying sunsets around the tower, while summers should be kept for quick day trips if at all.

Interesting facts about Qutub Minar

Here are some interesting facts about the Qutub Minar in brief pointer:

• The Qutab Minar is a 73 meter (239 ft) tall tower located in Delhi, India. It is made of red sandstone and marble.
• Construction began in 1193 under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, first Sultan of Delhi. It was mean to show the triumph of Muslim rule.
• Several rulers added to its structure over the years. It has Arabic inscriptions from the Quran on the walls.
• The tower leans about 25 cm to one side. This tilt happened because the foundation was not straight when originally built. But there is no danger of collapse.
• The tower has five distinct stories, each with a projecting balcony. It narrows as it goes upward.
• It is decorated with carvings like calligraphy designs and floral motifs. These are purely decorative.
• Inside there is a circular staircase with 379 steps leading to the top. Visitors can climb up and view the city from the top balcony.
• In 1981, the tower became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an important monument and example of Indian architecture.

So in summary, the Qutub Minar is an architectural wonder with both Islamic decorative designs and structural peculiarities like its lean. It gives insights into Delhi’s rich history as well.

How to reach the Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar monument is located in south Delhi, just a short distance from major transportation hubs in Delhi. So reaching it is convenient from most places in and around the city.

If traveling by metro train, the closest station is Qutab Minar station on the Yellow Line. It is literally right across from the Qutub Minar complex entrance. So visitors simply need to exit the station and walk straight ahead to enter the monument grounds. No auto rickshaw or taxis are needed from the metro station.

For travelers arriving into Indira Gandhi International Airport, the airport metro express line provides swift transport into Delhi city center. From there, visitors can change to the Yellow Line metro that stops at Qutab Minar station. Total travel time from airport to monument by metro train is approximately 90 minutes.

Travelers also have the option to take prepaid taxis or hired cars from the airport, which take around 30 to 60 minutes in regular traffic conditions. Major roads like Dera Mandi Road and Aurobindo Marg lead directly into the Qutub Minar area. Navigating via taxi is straightforward.

So the well-connected metro train system combined with major roads passing by the site make visiting the UNESCO monument Qutub Minar smooth for tourists arriving into bustling Delhi.