Last week with our relatives, I visited the famous Qutab Minar, very adjacent to my residence. This soaring tower of early Muslim vintage, the Qutab Minar attracts many visitors all across the world. Impressively ornate, its construction began in the 12th century and it was completed in the 13th century. Beautiful calligraphy adorns the adjacent edifices. The Minar rises over 230 feet and can be ascended by a circular stairway for a view that is breathtaking.
Work on the Minar was started by Qutab-u-din-aibak in 1199, but the construction was completed by his successors. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m and a valid reason that why it took two decades to complete this monument. The monument tapers from a 15 metre diameter base to just 2.5 metres at the top. It is a red sandstone tower covered with beautiful and striking carvings. It is still the highest stone tower in India as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi’s recognized landmark. The Sultan’s successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish completed it.
The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and the fifth of marble and sandstone. From the Nagari and Persian inscriptions on the minar, it appears that it was damaged twice by lightning, in 1326 and 1386.
Inside the compound, there stands an Iron pillar. It remained rust-free for 1500 years. According to the local belief if you can get your fingers to touch, with your back to the pillar, your wishes will be granted.
Today this impressively ornate tower has a slight tilt, but has otherwise remained remarkably well preserved over the centuries. With the delight in heart, we returned to our home in the evening.
Vocabulary
Ornate—highly decorated
Striking—appealing
