Qutub Minar is one of the most famous historical monuments in India, located in Mehrauli, South Delhi. It is a tall and beautiful red sandstone tower that stands proudly as a symbol of Delhi’s rich history. This minaret is part of the Qutub Complex, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
The construction of Qutub Minar began in 1192 CE by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. He started building it after defeating the last Hindu ruler of Delhi. However, he could only complete the base of the tower before his death. His successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish, continued the work and added three more storeys. Later, Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired and built the fifth and final storey around 1368 CE after the tower was damaged by lightning.
The Qutub Minar is about 72.5 metres (238 feet) tall, making it the tallest brick minaret in the world. It has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The diameter of the base is about 14.3 metres, while the top is only 2.7 metres wide. The spiral staircase inside has 379 steps leading to the top.
The materials used to build Qutub Minar are mainly red sandstone and marble. The lower three storeys are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth storeys were made using both sandstone and white marble. The tower is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran in Arabic. These carvings also include floral patterns and inscriptions that show the architectural skill of that time.
Although it is difficult to calculate the exact cost of construction in today’s money, historians estimate that building such a grand monument in the 12th–14th century would have cost around ₹2–3 crore in modern value, considering the materials, labour, and craftsmanship involved.
The Qutub Minar has great historical and cultural significance. It was built as a victory tower to celebrate Muslim rule in Delhi and also served as a minaret attached to the nearby Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque built in India. The mosque stands next to the tower and was constructed using stones taken from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples — a fact that reflects the cultural change during that period.
In the picture, you can also see a tall iron structure standing near the Minar — this is the Iron Pillar of Delhi, one of the most fascinating artifacts in the complex. It is about 7.2 metres tall and weighs over 6 tons. What makes it special is that it has not rusted for more than 1,600 years, despite being made of almost pure iron. It was originally erected by King Chandragupta II around the 4th century CE and later moved to this site by Qutb-ud-din Aibak or his successors. The pillar symbolizes the skill and scientific knowledge of ancient Indian metallurgy.
Beside the Iron Pillar is a well-like stone structure, which is part of the old Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque courtyard — the first mosque built in India. These ruins are among the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, combining features of Hindu and Islamic art.
If you look carefully, the Qutub Minar appears slightly slanted or leaning to one side. This is because, over the centuries, the foundation has settled unevenly due to the soft soil beneath the structure and natural factors like earthquakes and weathering. However, engineers and conservation experts have confirmed that the tower remains structurally stable and safe. The slight tilt actually adds to its charm and gives it a unique character, making it even more fascinating to visitors.
At night, the Qutub Minar looks especially glowing and golden-red because of the special floodlights installed around it. These lights highlight the red sandstone and marble layers, giving the tower a warm and majestic glow against the dark sky. This glowing effect makes the monument look magical and royal. The best time to see Qutub Minar in this glowing beauty is in the evening around 5 to 6 PM, when the lights are switched on and the sky begins to darken — creating a perfect blend of history and charm.
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| Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. |
Over the centuries, the tower has faced damage from lightning and earthquakes but has been repaired many times. Despite all this, it still stands strong as a proud reminder of India’s medieval history.
The tomb in the Qutub Minar complex belongs to Iltutmish (Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish), who was the Sultan of Delhi and the son-in-law and successor of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
Today, Qutub Minar attracts thousands of visitors every day from all over the world. The lush gardens around the monument make it a peaceful and scenic place to explore. The tower, with its fine craftsmanship and grandeur, represents the fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture and stands as a remarkable example of India’s heritage.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1993, Qutub Minar continues to be one of the most visited and admired monuments in India — a timeless reminder of Delhi’s glorious past and the artistic excellence of ancient builders.
New Delhi | 19.10.2025
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