Qutb Minar was built in the early 13th century, a few kilometers south of Delhi. One of the finest monuments of India and that of the world, Qutb Minar is made of red sandstone and is 72.5 m high, and 2.75 m in diameter. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, India depict the rich history and artwork of ancient India.
The surrounding archaeological area contains many funerary buildings and monuments; the most notable are magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art and 2 other mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam. Qutub Minar in India is the tallest brick minaret in the world and a significant example of Indo-Islamic Architectural style. The Qutb Minar and its Monuments, India are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi began the construction of the Qutub Minar in the year 1193. His successor, Iltutmish, added 3 more storeys and, in 1368 Firuz Shah Tughluq constructed the 5th and the last storey.
The development of different architectural styles from Aibak to Tuglak is quite evident in the minaret. The Qutub Minar comprises several superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies. The minaret is made of red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran, the holy book of the Muslims.
The Qutub Minar is built on the ruins of Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the Tomars. With regard to Qutb Minar and its Monuments, India, the nearby Iron Pillar is one of the world’s foremost metallurgical surprises, standing in the famous Qutub Complex.