Qutb Minar, UNESCO World Heritage minaret in Mehrauli, India
Qutb Minar is a freestanding tower in Mehrauli, a southern neighborhood of Delhi in India, rising across five stories of red sandstone with fluted columns, Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns. The structure stands 73 meters tall and tapers from a broad foundation to a narrow top, while the surrounding courtyard includes archaeological remains and an iron pillar.
Work began in 1199 under Qutb-ud-din Aibak following the conquest of Delhi by Muslim armies, and later rulers expanded the upper stories and repaired damage over the centuries. Earthquakes damaged the tower several times, yet restorations in the 14th century and beyond secured its preservation to the present day.
Thousands of visitors, including students, families and foreign travelers, come here to view the monument, which for many symbolizes early Islamic rule on the Indian subcontinent. Architects and art historians study the calligraphic inscriptions and stonework, while school groups frequently tour the compound to learn about medieval Delhi.
Access to the interior is no longer permitted for safety reasons following a 1981 incident, but the exterior grounds and courtyard remain open to visitors, with a nearby metro station making arrival straightforward. Lighting in the early morning or late afternoon works better for photographs and offers a more comfortable climate during heat.
The compound preserves its original fluted columns and balconies, with the diameter decreasing from 14 meters at the foot to less than three meters at the top, and each story displaying its own ornamentation reflecting the architecture of different dynasties. This variation in style reveals how rulers over two centuries expanded and altered the tower without destroying the harmony of the overall form.
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