Qutab Minar (Qutub Minar) is the tallest brick minaret in the world and it is located about 15kms south of New Delhi inside the Qutb complex. It is one of the important tourist spot in New Delhi. About this minar it is said that what Leaning Tower is to Pisa and Eiffel Tower is to Paris, in the same way Qutab Minar is to Delhi.
Qutab Minar is an exquisite example of the Mughal Architecture. It is the highest stone tower in India and also one of the finest Islamic structures that were ever raised. It was built by the first Muslim ruler and the founder of Slave Dynasty Qutb-ud-din Aibak for the use of Mu’azzin (crier) to give calls. The construction commenced in 1193 and it was completed in 1366 by Firuz Shah Tughluq, the successor. Firuz Shah Tughluq only built the top storey. It is one of the earliest and prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Qutub Minar is a five storied tower with unique designs. Its height is 72.5 m. The base of the tower is 14.32 m in diameter and the top is 2.75m. The minar is made up of red sandstone and it sports the inscriptions of verses of Holy Quran.
Other monuments that is of close proximity to the Qutub minar in the Qutb complex are Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, the Tomb of Iltutmish, Alai Darwaza and the Ala’ Minar. The other remains in the complex are Madrasa, graves, tombs and mosque.
Qutub Festival
Qutub Festival held in November-December every year organized by Delhi Tourism, Government of Delhi. The three day festival showcases the cultural art forms of the country.
Must See of Qutab Minar
Iron Pillar – It never got rusted till now.
Hidden Pathways – The kings used it as an Escapade and it is believed to lead to the Red Fort.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque – It is the first Mosque built by Delhi Sultans. It is to the Northeast of Qutab Minar.
Entry Fee : INR 10 for citizen/ INR 250 foreigner
How to Reach Qutub Minar
The local buses, auto-rickshaw and taxis are available for Qutab Minar from various locations.
Nearest Railway Station : Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station
Nearest Metro Station : Central Secretariat
Nearest Airport : Indira Gandhi International Airport
Local Bus Route : 34, 463, 525, 717, 714, 427, Greater Mudrika, 189, 419, 764
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