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.
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| 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
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| 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.
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| Iron Pillar – Image by gwashley by flickr.com |
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| Alai Minar in Qutb Complex |
Our Entry for ABC Wednesday - Q is for Qutub Minar
