Qutub Minar is Delhi’s famous and one of the most visited monuments that holds a record of being the “Tallest Brick Tower in the World”. This UNESCO World Heritage monument also serves as a beautiful picnic destination.
I used to cross this majestic wonder every day on my way to college. I considered this as a blessing to be able to witness it every single and admire its beauty. Moreover, Qutub Minar used to be my school’s favourite picnic spot. Therefore, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve visited this place. *Bragging*
But honestly, you can never get enough of such architectural masterpieces!
A Little About Its History
Qutub Minar’s foundation stone was laid by Qutb-ud-din Aibak who is also the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. The victory tower took 400 years to get built with the help of multiple rulers. Qutb-ud-din Aibak built the first floor. Shams-ud-din Iltutmish (his successor) added three more stories. Firoz Shah Tuglaq added two more levels to the tower, while Sher Shah Suri got the entrance constructed. This 800-year-old tower has suffered severe damages caused by earthquakes and lightning over the past centuries. However, it still stands strong, leaving its visitors mesmerised by its beauty.
How to Reach?
The closest metro station is Qutub Minar Metro Station (Yellow Line). If you’re visiting during summers, then take an auto-rickshaw from the station entrance. However, if you’re hitting this place during winters, then I’ll recommend you walk instead. It’ll merely take 10 minutes to reach the ticketing centre.
Timings and Fee
Qutub Minar remains open from Monday to Sunday between 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. The entry fee is 30 INR for Indians, 500 INR for Foreigners and free for children below 15 years. You have to pay 25 INR each separately if you’re carrying an additional Still or Video Camera with you.
Things To See
Apart from the main monument, there are plenty of other monuments that you can see within the complex. Here’s a list of what all you can see.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
The first mosque of Delhi sultanate commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and built using the material procured after deconstructing 27 Hindu and Jain temples.
Alai Darwaza
It is a domed gateway that has now been restored by the Archeological Survey of India. Built by Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1311, is the first monument of India constructed in Islamic architectural style.
Iron Pillar of Chandragupta II
The pillar is known for its rust-resistant qualities and is the only monument that Qutb-ud-din Aibak didn’t demolish after conquering Delhi. Instead, he built a mosque around it.
Tomb of Iltutmish
It is one of the earliest Muslim tombs constructed in 1231 over the grave of his eldest son, Nasir al-Din Mahmud. He was the second ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and son of Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
Tomb of Imam Zamin
A mausoleum of Muhammad Ali, an Islamic cleric. The tomb was built by Muhammad Ali himself during the reign of Mughal emperor Humayun.
Alauddin Khilji’s tomb and madrasa
An Islamic school within the Qutub Minar Complex that consists of a tomb and is a first of its kind.
Alai Minar
An incomplete tower that Alauddin Khilji dreamt of constructing during his reign to commemorate his victories. However, post his death in 1316 AD the construction came to an end.
Smith’s Folly
A cupola that was installed by Major Robert Smith as the existing one got damaged in the 1803 earthquake. However, the architecture was weak and so out of place, that the government took it down in 1848. Since then it is resting on the outer lawns of the Qutub Complex.
Sanderson’s Sundial
A minuscule sundial constructed in the memory of Gordon Sanderson an officer with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Best known for his work in preserving and documenting the historical monuments of India. The sundial is residing next to the Qutub Minar and is made of white marble.
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