Qutub Complex, Qutub Minar and the Ruins, New Delhi, India

If you're in Delhi, visit Qutub Minar in Qutub Complex, Mehrauli. Qutubuddin Aibak, the then Sultan of Delhi, started working on it in the early 12th century. Later, Iltutmish, wh took over from Qutubuddin Aibak, completed the work of this Minar listed as UNESCO World Heritage building.

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Qutub Minar is one of the tallest minarets in India. Qutub Minar is considered to be the earliest Islamic monument in India. It is constructed in Islamic architectural style and is made of red sandstone.

Let me tell you, the building is 73 meters high, having 379 steps to reach the top. This tower was named after Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar, as it was built to house the muezzin's call to prayer but later came to be known as a victory monument. One of the most iconic historical monuments in the Indian capital, Qutub Minar, was built when they overthrew the Rajputs in Delhi.

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If you have time and in Delhi, then you must visit Qutub Minar and the surrounding area. This historical building is a great example of Indo-Islamic architecture in my native area, which is the tallest building in the world.

Qutub Minar is a five-story circular building that tapers from the bottom to the top. It is 242 feet tall and has inscriptions in Arabic and Persian on its exterior. It is built entirely of red sandstone. The technique of "stalactite bracketing" used in the construction of its balconies is particularly noteworthy.

Apart from Qutub Minar, this complex houses a large number of other historical buildings. Incidentally, this complex has an Iron Pillar, close to Alai Darwaza, but I could not find that image in my external drive.

Iltutmish's Tomb

As you can see, it's a white marble structure on a platform in the middle of this room. It is known for its intricate and beautiful carvings.

Unlike other tombs, it is quite popular as a small fort with a courtyard. This structure is considered more of a dargah than a tomb. This tomb is maintained by the devotees and not by the Archaeological Survey of India that manages the rest of the complex.

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You can see Iltutmish's tomb here.

Ala-i-Minar

Sultan Alauddin Khilji wanted to build a tower higher than Qutub Minar to prove himself greater than others so he started this Minar with at least twice as high as Qutub Minar. He started it with the name 'Ala-e-Minar,' but he died before its completion. After his death, the work of Ala-e-Minar stopped, and it remained at 27 meters, but it's still there in the Qutub Complex.

This building's Ala-e-Minar still attracts tourists.

Alauddin's Madrasa,

The Qutub Minar complex has a mosque known as Quwwat-ul-Islam, which is believed to be the first mosque built in India. The tomb is in perfect condition, but the Madrasa of Alauddin Khilji is turned into ruins.

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While this is just the beginning of the facts and things you may or may not know about the Qutub Minar, here are some other surprising things about the red sandstone monument:

The Qutub Minar receives three million visitors per year.

It stands at a height of 73 meters and is known as the tallest brick minaret in the world.

It is also marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You have to climb 379 stairs to reach the top of the minaret. But the staircase is now closed due to damage from earthquakes and suicide attempts.

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There is also a mosque inside the complex called Quwwat-ul-Islam, which is believed to be the first mosque built in India. Quwwat-ul-Islam Qutub Minar's name in English is "The Might of Islam Mosque," which means 'the power of Isla'm. This building was originally built to show the power of Islam. If you come here, you will get to see this thing clearly.

Why I love this place

Although most parts have now turned in ruins but some parts are still standing tall and you can see beautiful decorations and carvings on them. I go there again and again as and when my friends and relatives come to my place, I offer them to visit this place.

As we all know idols and music are prohibited in Islam, so they decorated their buildings by writing verses of the Quran in Arabic script, and in most cases a dome was built on top. Here you can see these beautiful decorations as I have focussed on them.

You can walk around freely in this huge complex. As the place is free for photography, you can take photos of the art of ancient times and spend some time enjoying music with the drummers here.

Although tourists visit Qutub Minar and there is a great atmosphere throughout the year, since the temperature in Delhi reaches 45 degrees C or even more during summer, I suggest you visit during the winter months.

Other places of interest in the Qutub Minar complex are the Iron Pillar, Alai-Darwaza, Iltutmish's Tomb, Alai Minar, Imam Zamin's Tomb, Ala-ud-Din Madrasa, and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

The Qutub Minar is a five-story structure with a height of 73 meters and a diameter at ground level of 14 plus meters and at the top of about 2.7 meters. It has a total of 379 spiral steps. Now it's closed for tourists due to a power failure. There was a stampede that led to the death of a few tourists. Now you can go up to the first floor, and for that you need to climb 154 steps.

A light and sound show takes place at Qutub Minar between 7 pm and 9 pm. You can get all the eatables outside the Qutub Minar premises.

There is a photo gallery

Enjoy the grandeur and architecture of Qutub Minar from outside, because now you cannot go inside due to that incident.

The complex has sign boards
Ramps are available
Rest Areas
Toilets
Drinking water facilities
Guides
The complex is well maintained

Opening hours:

7 am to 5 pm. It is open on all days of the week.

Entry Charges Fee

INR 30 per person for Indians

INR 15 per child over 15

Below 15 years free

INR 500 per person for foreign tourists

No food is allowed inside the Qutub Minar. You can carry only drinking water.

There are several restaurants near Qutub Minar serving different foods that cater to different needs:

Olive Bar & Kitchen

Drama

Gumbad Cafe

Bo Tai Qutub

Serai

Rooh

Qla

Cho

Kakapo

The Qutub Tiffin

Bougie

Thai High

Diablo

Striker Pub & Kitchen

Kebab House

Bootlegger

Google Maps

Disclaimer: The entire information is available on internet which might take you to various private and government websites.
https://asi.nic.in/pages/WorldHeritageQutbMinar

All images mine taken on my different visits.