Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Qutub Minar – The Tower that Survived History

Rome wasn't built in a day! The same is also true about Qutub Minar in Delhi, the capital of India. This amazing tower is a five-story brick Minar, whose construction was started in 1192 AD by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak. Iltutmush completed this monument during the time period of 1211-36 AD. Qutub or Qutb Minar is made of marble and red sandstone and is the tallest standing minar in India. Qutub Minar is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a major tourist attraction of Delhi.

Image by AnkurDauneria on flickr.com

Some basic information about Qutub Minar is as follows:

Year of Foundation  – 1192 AD
Commissioned by – Qutbu'd-Din Aibak
Total Height – 72.5 meters
Base diameter – 14.32 meters
Diameter at the top – 2.75 meters
Number of stairs – 379
Listed as World Heritage Site – 1993

Qutub Minar – Image by Sharkawi Che Din on flickr.com

The purpose of its constructed is doubtful as many believe it was created to mark the victory over Delhi by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak while many others say that it was just a minaret to call for Islamic prayers. There are many tombs and ruins near the Minar belonging to different rulers and kingdoms. Other attractions around Qutub Minar are Iron Pillar, Alai Minar, Alai Darwaza and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

Iron Pillar – Image by gwashley by flickr.com

Alai Minar in Qutb Complex
Qutub Minar was damaged multiple times because of natural cause like earthquakes and lightning strikes. Many rulers repaired it time and again to preserve this wonderful monument.

Our Entry for ABC Wednesday - Q is for Qutub Minar


41 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos!
    Greetings, RW & SK

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  2. It's a beautiful building and amazingly well preserved for it's age. Great photos too!

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  3. wonderful photos, and a gorgeous place, I imagine it is the red sandstone and marble mix that give it this luxurious colouring...

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  4. Beautiful monument! I am glad to see the structures are cared for and preserved. Great post.

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  5. Nice photos of the building. Beautifully described about it.

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  6. It's majestic. I've been there just once and have some great memories of the place.

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    1. Thank you Obsessivemom! I glad you stopping here and leave nice feedback .. Hope keep visiting.

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  7. It is indeed impressive.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  8. Great photos of an historical scene. QUITE impressive! Kate, ABC Team

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    1. Thank you Kate!! I appreciate for your comment....

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  9. Have been there, it's a fantastic site!

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  10. What a shame, I haven't seen this yet! :(

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  11. Thanks for the piece of history! There is so much I don't know and have to learn! Thanks!
    Wil, ABCW Team

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  12. A very interesting and historical sight to see!

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  13. Great pictures you show:) Hanne Bente

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  14. i saw this on another blog just this week.

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  15. Yes, I have been admired with this place, very nice!

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  16. Lovely places - sorry to say I never will be able to see them live...I´m afraid for flying!
    So I´m thankful for your photos!!

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    1. Thank you! I glad you stopping here and leave kind feedback... hope keep visiting..

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  17. Absolutely beautiful, the diameters are fabulous.

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  18. How did they build these magnificent places with out modern technology

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  19. That is a lovely tower - and so old!

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  20. What a tower! Really interesting!

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  21. I'm glad this tower has survived. It is very beautiful. I also like your photo of the iron pillar with the arch in the background.

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  22. Unbelievable to think the Qutub Minar has been standing in this very spot for so long ET, I'm happy to see that it gets the care and attention it deserves to keep it in such wonderful condition. I can see it would be a huge draw card for tourists.

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    1. Thank you PDP for your beautiful comment.. truly, Qutub Minar is a great historical architecture which listed in the prime attractions of Delhi and India..

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  23. Interesting information and great shots.

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  24. Wow---what a beautiful tower… That's a lot of steps up… But just think!!! It would be easy going back down!!!! ha ha (Have you been up there???)
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  25. a magnificent structure and beautiful images!!

    have a wonderful weekend!!

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  26. Impressive architecture! Great photos!

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  27. Kauniita kuvia.
    Hyvää viikonvaihdetta ♥

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  28. Thanks for this reminder of another astounding culture!

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  29. Wow.. it's mind blowing to think that this lovely structure has been standing for so long.

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  30. Beautiful pictures. Rajasthan is so colorful :)

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