The remarkable Qutab Minar was built by the founder of the Slave Dynasty, Qutab-ud-din Aibak. He began the construction of this victory tower as a sign of Muslim domination of Delhi. However he could complete only the first storey and the rest were built by his successor Iltutmish. The Minar is a great example of early Islamic architecture in India. It is adorned with intricate carvings and verses of Quran. The projected balconies of the tower are supported by stalactite designs. The bands of Calligraphic inscriptions are amazing in perfection.

Onset Of A New Style

Qutab Minar is the first monument of Muslim rule in India. It indicated the beginning of a new style of art and architecture that got to be known as Indo- Islamic style. This style is neither a local variant of Islamic art nor a modification of Hindu art, in fact it is a blend of both the styles. It is so because each region in India has its own form of Indo-Islamic architecture, which varies from place to place, and there is no standardization.

Monuments within the Qutab Complex

There are a number of monuments in the Qutab complex apart from the Qutab Minar:
Quuwat-ul-Islam Mosque - This was the first mosque to be built in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Slave Dynasty used parts of 27 Jain and Hindu temples to construct this mosque. One can witness a blend of both Indian and Islamic architecture. The corbelled arches and floral motifs can be relished.

Tomb Of Iltutmish - It was built in the year 1235. The lace like tracery of Quranic injunctions on all sides takes the breath away. The dome which ones used to cover the tomb has collapsed long time back. The dome was a feature of Islamic architecture being introduced to India for the very first time.

Alai Darwaza- This monument was built by Allauddin Khilji. It was built as the southern gate of the huge extension of Aibak's mosque. One should surely check the geometric Islamic calligraphy that decorates its red sandstone surface.

Tomb Of Imam Zamim - There has been an increased use of marble in this tomb. The red stone jaalis are carved in it intricately. The dome rises gracefully above the tomb.

Year Of Kudos

The Qutab Minar and the Associated monuments were added in the list of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO in the year 1993.

Peppery Bulletin

• Qutab Minar was built to celebrate the victory of Muhammad Ghori over the Rajputs and also as a symbol of Islamic justice and of the military might of the Slave Dynasty.
• Qutab Minar is the highest stone tower in India, with 379 steps in five distinct storeys.
• The storeys of the Minar alternate from angular sections to different styles of rounded flutings and projecting balconies.
• Visitors are not permitted to enter or climb up the Qutab Minar .
• The inscriptions on the tower mention that lightning damaged the Minar twice in 1326 and 1368.
• Because of the earthquakes, the Minar is not perpendicular and leans 60 cm off the vertical. It is also monitored by the engineers of the Archaeological Survey of India.
• A theory also exists that Prithvi Raj Chauhan built the tower so that his daughter can see the sacred Yamuna River from the top of the tower during her daily worship. But many does not support this thought.
• A light show is organised every evening for the entertainment of the tourists.
• The Qutab Minar is also famous as Leaning Tower and Eiffel tower.
• The Minar marked the beginning of Indo- Islamic style of art and architecture in India.
• The founder of the Slave Dynasty, Qutub-ud-din Aibak used parts of 27 Jain and Hindu temples to build it.