Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar's construction was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak

1. Qutub Minar's construction was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1192. However, it was completed by his successor, Iltutmish, in 1220.
2. The Qutub Minar was originally built as a victory tower to commemorate the Muslim dominance in Delhi. It was constructed using materials from dismantled Hindu and Jain temples, reflecting the assimilation of architectural styles from different religions.
3. The height of the Qutub Minar is often stated as 73 meters (239 feet), but it has actually undergone some changes over the years due to damage and restoration work. Its original height was around 72.5 meters (237.8 feet), but the addition of a new cupola increased it to the current height.
4. The tower has a spiral staircase that consists of 379 steps. However, public access to the staircase has been restricted since a stampede in 1981, and visitors are no longer allowed to climb to the top.
5. The Qutub Minar is not just a standalone tower but part of a larger complex known as the Qutub Complex. This complex includes several other structures, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Alai Darwaza, the Iron Pillar, and various tombs and ruins.
6. The Qutub Minar is known for its intricate architectural features and decorative elements. The tower is adorned with intricate carvings, including Quranic inscriptions, geometric patterns, and motifs of Hindu gods and goddesses.
7. One interesting feature of the Qutub Minar is the presence of an iron pillar within the complex. This iron pillar, known as the Iron Pillar of Delhi, is over 1,600 years old and has baffled scientists with its corrosion resistance. Despite its age, the pillar shows minimal signs of rusting.
8. The Qutub Minar has been damaged multiple times throughout history, primarily due to earthquakes and lightning strikes. Several restoration and conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve and maintain the monument, including the removal of damaged sections and the addition of new elements.
9. The Qutub Minar has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, acknowledging its historical and architectural significance. The Qutub Minar has served as an inspiration for various architectural styles and structures in different parts of India, particularly in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition. Its influence can be seen in the design of many other minarets and towers constructed in subsequent centuries.

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