History of Qutb Minar
Planning a Delhi Agar Jaipur Tour without visiting the iconic monument, the Tower of Victory Qutb Minar sounds like an empty tour. The tallest tower in India was built in 1193 by the Muslim ruler of Delhi; the tower’s construction was noted as the starting point of rule by Muslims.
Every year, millions of tourists and locals visit the monument. UNESCO has announced this tower as a world heritage site. The red sandstone and marble of the Qutb Minar represent the architecture and its history.
In 1192, this iconic monument was set down by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, giving a classic architectural model of Indo-Islamic style. The history behind the tower was the victory of Mohammed Ghori against Rajput King Prithviraj Chauhan. Minar was incomplete due to the death of Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, though Iltutmish joined three stories. As time passed, Firoz Shah Tughlak added two more stories in the year 1368, giving a magnificent touch.
The architecture is done with a five-story inflated balcony and a height of 72.5 meters, where red sandstone is adapted to the initial three stories. Marble and sandstone are on the other two storeys. The thickness façade of red sandstone used on fluted columns of the exterior is 40cm, giving the exteriors a marvelous site. The fascinating part is the 397 steps directing to balconies.
The design is Indo-Islamic, and verses are carved on the wall in the Islamic calligraphy of the Holy Quran of the tower. The minaret was once struck by lightning, causing damage to the inscriptions in 1503. Later, in 1802, Major R Smith had to repair the damages caused by an earthquake. The Royal Engineers replaced the damaged minaret with a Bengali-style chhatri. However, in 1848, Governor General Lord Hardinge took off the chhatri, keeping it on the minaret corner left side, naming it Smiths folly.
Location of Qutb Minar Delhi
Tourists can book a cab in advance to avoid Hassel at the last minute, as in the peak season, the demand tends to rise for tower visits. Qutb Minar is located in south Delhi in the Mehrauli area. Visitors can take the Delhi Metro to reach the site conveniently on the Delhi Sightseeing Tour. However, a local auto rickshaw can easily get to the site.
There are other architectural sites for travellers to add to their Delhi Tour Package, such as the park near the Qutb Minar called Mehrauli Archaeological Park, mosques, step-wells, tombs, forts, and many monuments representing the Delhi History of war and peace. One can spend the whole day enjoying the park view and visiting Qutb Minar.
Timings of Qutb Minar?
The ideal time to visit Minar is during the winter season, from October to March, as it will be convenient to explore and experience the heritage sites without getting sweaty and tired. The complex opens from 7 am to 8 pm, though it can differ depending on the seasons. It is best recommended to visit early, as it gets pretty jam-packed during weekends and midday, and enjoy the morning breeze near the tower.
Entry Fee of Qutb Minar Delhi
- Free for children under 15 age
- Ticket prices differ for Indian citizens and foreign nationality separately
- Gardens are well maintained around the Minar for families to relax; kids can view squirrels, birds, and many more in the garden.
Many famous movie songs like Chand Sifarish from Fanaa and Dil ka Bhanwar from Tere Ghar ke Saamne were shot inside the Qutb Minar. The interior of the tower, made of Indo-Islamic style, makes it a tourist attraction spot with its mesmerizing design. Moreover, the garden around the Minar gives a refreshing atmosphere, making it an ideal place for tourists to relax and appreciate nature.
Qutb Minar is a must-see attraction to add to the Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi. It’s a worthy place for family and friends trips. Visitors get to educate themselves about Delhi’s History and how the Qutb Minar was built, practically its back story of Muslim Victory, giving likelihood to other mosques surrounding this monument. Tourists planning longer tours can book during festivals to experience vibrant and colorful Indian culture.
