delhicacies.com - Qutab Minar, New Delhi, India

QUTAB MINAR

This 72.5 meters high intricately-carved five-storey red sandstone minaret is the country's tallest man made tower. Looming majestically across the wide plains in southern Delhi, the masterpiece of design and perfect proportion is visible for several kilometers, its projecting balconies distinguishing each storey. The tower was built as a Victory Tower by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, viceroy of Mohammed Ghori, to celebrate their victory over the Rajputs. Construction of the tower was begun in 1199 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The second and the third storeys were added by his son-in-law and successor Iltumish in 1210. The construction was completed by Firoz Shah Tughlak in 1357 with the addition of the rest of the storeys and the copula. The first three storeys are built of red sandstone and the top two storeys of marble and sandstone. The tower tapers from a base diameter of 14.4 meters to a diameter of 2.4 meters at the top. 379 circular stone steps lead to its height of 72.5 meters. Although an earthquake shattered the topmost copula in 1803, the needle-shaped tower is remarkably well-preserved. A few unfortunate accidents in addition to the suicidal leaps have forced the authorities to close the tower's stairway for the public.

Within the Qutb complex lies India's first mosque, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, or the 'Might of Islam' mosque. Within the courtyard is a 4th century Iron Pillar. Belonging to the Gupta Age, the 7 ft high pillar contains inscriptions in Sanskrit stating its history. Made of 98% wrought iron, the pillar is ample proof of the metallurgical skills of ancient India, as it has remained rust free till date. According to popular folklore, if you can stand back against the pillar and clasp your hands around its width, your wish will be granted. Few leave the place without trying. A few feet from the Qutb Minar is the magnificient, richly ornamented, red sandstone Alai Darwaza, the southern entrance to the mosque precints, built in 1310 by Ala-ud-din Khilji.

Closeby are the Tomb of Sultans Iltumish; the vast base and unfurnished 27 ft high tower Alai Minar built by Ala-ud-din Khilji, intended to rival the Qutb Minar; Tomb of Iman Zamin; ruins of Ala-ud-din Khilji's Madrasa (the college for islamic studies); the Tomb of Ala-ud-din Khilji; and the ruins of LAL KOT, Delhi's first city.