Places to visit in Delhi - Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar is the World’s Tallest Brick Minaret, and is located in Mehrauli area of South Delhi. The minaret is surrounded by ruins of ancient Hindu Temples, a centuries old Mosque, and incomplete minaret, and several other structures. All these are collectively known as the Qutab Complex. The Qutab Complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Qutab Complex is, officially, the most visited monument in India, and has more international and domestic visitors than even the world – famous Taj Mahal.

The construction of this minaret began in 1193 on the orders of Qutab – Ud – Din Aibak. However, the present day structure was completed by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1386 when he built the two top storeys in white marble. The site initially had 27 ancient Hindu and Jain temples, which were destroyed and the debris were used to build the Qutab Minar.

The minaret has 379 steps to the top. The base diameter is 14.3 metres and the top diameter is 2.75 metres. The minaret is built in red sandstone except for the top two storeys, which were constructed in white marble. The five storey structure has a total height of 72.5 metre.

The complex has the Quwwat – Ul – Islam mosque; the mysterious Iron Pillar in the open Courtyard, which has not rusted even though it was built in 402 AD; the Alai Minar, an incomplete minaret, which would have been twice the size of Qutab Minar had it been completed; and tombs of Iltutmish, Alauddin Khilji and Balban. Throughout the complex, there are engravings with readings from Quran.