An architectural splendour
Take a moment to marvel at the Qutub Minar's beauty as it gracefully combines different architectural designs. This architectural wonder is a must-visit tourist spot in India, captivating visitors with its towering presence. The striking contrast of red sandstone and marble, along with the intricate carvings and verses from the Quran, make it truly remarkable. Each storey features a projecting balcony encircling the tower, adorned with stone brackets in a stunning honeycomb design. And that's not all – as evening falls, the Qutub Minar takes on a whole new charm, with warm illuminations adding to its allure. It's no wonder that this iconic monument has inspired similar structures like the Chand Minar in Daulatabad, Maharashtra, and the Mini Qutub Minar in Uttam Nagar, Delhi.
A timeless tower
The Qutub Minar's story is one of collaboration across generations. It began in 1199 when Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a leader under Muhammad of Ghor, laid its foundation for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey. Aibak's successor, Shamsuddin Iltutmish, continued the project by adding three more storeys. The Qutub Minar also bears numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters at various locations, which reveal its history. According to the inscriptions, the minar was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq and Sikandar Lodi. Centuries later, the monument was repaired and restored with the support of Major R. Smith. It continued to evolve, with Sher Shah Suri (the founder of the Sur Empire in India) building an entrance. Today, the Qutub Minar stands as a testament to the vision of multiple rulers and the enduring power of architecture.