Qutub Minar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi
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| This was taken from inside Mehrauli Archaeological Park on a beautiful sunny morning |
One of the gems of Delhi, Qutub Minar is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its immense cultural value. I often travel to Qutub Minar and combine this trip with Mehrauli Archaeological Park which is close by. As a history buff, photographer and my personal interest in heritage and architecture, I am often drawn to this historical site.
Qutub Minar was built by using the material of 27 Jain Temples and thus was named as Quwwat Ul Islam (Might of Islam) after Ghauri defeated last Hindu ruler Prithviraj Chauhan in 2nd Battle of Panipat.
Qutub Minar was built by using the material of 27 Jain Temples and thus was named as Quwwat Ul Islam (Might of Islam) after Ghauri defeated last Hindu ruler Prithviraj Chauhan in 2nd Battle of Panipat.
Even as you stand inside the mosque you may see the pillars with Hindu motifs used extensively. There's an Iron Pillar with Bramhi inscription too in the middle of the prayer courtyard which dates back to the Gupta Period and reign of Vikramaditya before the beginning of this millenia.
Qutub Minar Complex is built upon what was Lal Kot, first city of Delhi ruled first by Tomar Rajputs and later Prithviraj Chauhan. Qutub Din was left incharge of governance of Delhi as Ghouri went back to Afghanistan where he died eventually and Qutub din Aibak declared himself the first Sultan of Delhi ushering in the Mamluk or Slave Dynasty in India. Qutub Minar was also extended by Iltutumish after the death of Aibak and later extensively by Alaudin Khilji.
Qutub Minar Complex is built upon what was Lal Kot, first city of Delhi ruled first by Tomar Rajputs and later Prithviraj Chauhan. Qutub Din was left incharge of governance of Delhi as Ghouri went back to Afghanistan where he died eventually and Qutub din Aibak declared himself the first Sultan of Delhi ushering in the Mamluk or Slave Dynasty in India. Qutub Minar was also extended by Iltutumish after the death of Aibak and later extensively by Alaudin Khilji.
The structures of note inside the Qutub Minar Complex include Qutub Minar, Quwwat ul Islam Mosque, Tomb of Imam Zamin, Madarsa and Tomb of Alaudin Aibar and exquisitely carved tomb of Iltutmish.
One of the structures which ever draw me here is the unfinished Alai Minar. Its foundation was laid by Alaudin Khilji and Alai Minar was supposed to be twice in size of Qutub Minar.
There are wash rooms for ladies and gentlemen inside the complex. You could also rent audio guide if you want to know the story of each of the structure inside the complex.
One of the structures which ever draw me here is the unfinished Alai Minar. Its foundation was laid by Alaudin Khilji and Alai Minar was supposed to be twice in size of Qutub Minar.
There are wash rooms for ladies and gentlemen inside the complex. You could also rent audio guide if you want to know the story of each of the structure inside the complex.
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| Unfinished Alai Minar is my Favorite Structure inside Qutub Minar Complex |
One of the best days to visit this complex is on Mondays as only a few visitor come to this place. Ticket price is Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs 250 for foreigners for entrance in Complex and cloak room/locker facility for luggage and parking is available.
I'd also recommend you club it with trip to Mehrauli Archaeological Park which houses close to 70 monuments which include Rajon ki Baoli, Gandhak Ki Baoli, Jamali Kamali Mosque & Tomb and Balban's Tomb along with several of Metcalfe's Follies and Dilkusha (Quli Khan Ka Maqbara).
Author Bio: A post graduate in marketing from University of Mumbai, India, Nikhil Chandra seeks out travel inspiration with friends and often through solo wandering, exploring heritage and culture, meeting new people, tasting local cuisine and choosing homestays over hotels . His travel stories and articles have appeared in several travel magazines, online travel guides and travel blogs among others.
I'd also recommend you club it with trip to Mehrauli Archaeological Park which houses close to 70 monuments which include Rajon ki Baoli, Gandhak Ki Baoli, Jamali Kamali Mosque & Tomb and Balban's Tomb along with several of Metcalfe's Follies and Dilkusha (Quli Khan Ka Maqbara).
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| Tomb of Quli Khan inside Mehrauli Archaeological Park was converted later by Thomas Metcalfe as Dilkusa (Heart's Delight) |
Author Bio: A post graduate in marketing from University of Mumbai, India, Nikhil Chandra seeks out travel inspiration with friends and often through solo wandering, exploring heritage and culture, meeting new people, tasting local cuisine and choosing homestays over hotels . His travel stories and articles have appeared in several travel magazines, online travel guides and travel blogs among others.
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