Constructed As A Holy
Minar
Qutab Minar is a
soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak
immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five
distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m
diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storeys are made
of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At
the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be
built in India.
The world famous
towering Qutub Minar, started in 1192 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak (1192-98), breathes
down the neck of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. There is a slight difference of
opinion as to its purpose: it probably was a tower of victory, but then again
it could have been built to be a minar (tower), attached to the Quwwat-ul-Islam
mosque, for the muezzin (priest) to climb up top for a prayer.
The development of
architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak is quite evident in the minar. The
relief work and even the materials used for construction differ. The 238 feet
Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The
tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies
supported by elaborately decorated brackets.
Belief of the
People
An inscription over
its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained
from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the
courtyard of the mosque. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim
mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation. Close to the mosque is one of Delhi's
most curious antiques, the Iron Pillar.
It is said that if you
can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish
will be fulfilled.
Other Belief of Its
Construction
The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe it was
erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in
India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful
to prayer.
No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest
monuments in India, but also in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim
ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but
could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more
storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last
storey.
There are a lot
of 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.
Measures Taken To Keep
The Minar In Perfect Shape
It is clear that the tower was very close to the sultanate's
heart, since repeated efforts were made to keep it in perfect shape. In its
long career, the tower got hit by lightening twice – something that, of course,
with its height it was literally asking for. Once during the reign of
Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, who very decently repaired the ensuing damage.
The Attraction of Crownig Cupola
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 replaced by a well
meaning English engineer Major Smith. Unfortunately it was removed by Lord Hardinge,
Governor-general of British India. 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.
Location: Mehrauli
Nearest Metro Station:
Qutab Minar
Open: All days
Entry Fee: 10 (Indians), 250
(foreigners)
Days Closed: None
Photography Charges:---
This
is one the best example of so called Indo-Islamic architecture. The southern gateway of the
Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was extended by Alauddin Khalji in 1311. The Alai
Darwaza is the first through and through Islamic building in character,
architecture and ornamentation. Its construction is painstakingly accurate, the
decoration are the politically correct geometric designs and is a typical Khali
building. It displays a certain Seljuqian influence, like in the huge dome with
a central knob, pointed arches shaped like horseshoes, and the 'lotus-bud'
fringes of the arches. The characteristics of Alai Darwaza , Delhi include wide
and bulging dome with a central knob, pointed horse-shoe-shaped arches and
squinches and lotus-bud fringes of the arches. It has
been described as "one of the most treasured gems of Islamic architecture".
