One more amazing building on the long list of tourist’s attractions in Delhi, is Qutab Minar, the world’s tallest minaret.

72.5 meters tall, Qutab Minar is one the best examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, and it dominates the surrounding structures known as Qutub complex. The place is full of legends and unanswered questions. If you are on your tour to Delhi, visit Qutab Minar and enjoy its magic and mystery.

History of Qutab Minar

Historians say that Rajputs were the ones who laid the foundation of Qutab Minar for some other building, but after the invasion of Qutubuddin Aibak in 1192, who won Delhi in the name of Mohammed Gori from Afganistan, the purpose of the foundation was changed and Qutab Minar was built. Qutubuddin Aibak built only the first storey, and the whole building was finished by his son-in-law, Iltutmish who built three more.

Structure of Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar was built in red sanstone, widely used in Mughal architecture. It has 14.3 meters in diameter in its base, and 2.7 at the top. Each storey is separated with balconies that go around the tower, supported by stone brackets. There are 399 steps that lead from base to the top.

Nobody really knows why is Qutab Minar this tall – it couldn’t be used as a place for calling believers for prayer, as nobody could possibly hear the person standing on top, and it is not part of the mosque. Could it be the vanity of invaders who wanted to celebrate the victory and erect the symbol of their might and glory? Whatever the reason, Qutab Minar still stands, after all those centuries. It was proclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you won’t be able to take your eyes of it.

Other tourist attractions inside the Qutab complex

Next to the Qutab Minar, you will have the chance to see the first mosque ever built in India - Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, built by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak. The Mosque was built on the very foundation of destroyed Hindu temple, and materials for its construction was obtained from ruins of 27 other “idolatrous” temples, destroyed by Muslim invaders.

The most intriguing thing that can be seen in Qutub complex is probably a 7 meters high iron pillar, in the very centre of mosque’s courtyard. Inscription on the pillar indicates that it was once a part of Lord’s Vishnu temple, but nobody knows what temple exactly. Also, a big mystery is how could such a big piece of iron of extremely rare purity (98%), be produced with the tools of that time, and why it didn’t rust during 16 centuries, as it dates from 4^th century. The legend says, that if you can encircle the pillar with your hands, while standing with your back leaned on it, one of your wishes will be granted. However, you won’t be able to try this, since the pillar is surrounded with fence.

Mandatory part of every Delhi tour itinerary, Qutab Minar is one of the most visited tourist’s attractions in whole India. You won’t be able to miss it, because it is visible from almost every part of Delhi.