Qutub Minar- The Majestic Victory Tower
Qutub Minar, a minaret that forms part of the Qutub complex is a huge Minar standing graciously in the heart of Delhi. The magnificent monument made of red sandstone and marble is 73 metre high and is one of the most iconic and recognisable landmarks of Delhi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has great resemblance with the “Leaning Tower of Pisa” the free-standing bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. The monument was built around 1192 in the commemoration of the victory of the Mughals and the beginning of the Mughal rule. Qutub means pole of justices and is also known as the symbol of Islamic justice.
This splendid piece of architecture has five storeys and was built through a period of several centuries during the reign of the three Mughal emperors of that era (Qutab-ud-din Aibak built one storey followed by his successor Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, who built three storeys more and finally Firoz Shah Tughlaq who built the final and fifth storey). The first three storeys are made up of pale red sandstone, the fourth is made up of marble and the fifth one is made up of marble and sandstone. Each storey has a projecting balcony; the detailed view gives a spectacular form of art with many of its walls covered with the verses from the Quran, a unique form of architecture that has numerous layers of history.
Qutub Minar, is also considered as the tower of Victory. Close to the base of the gigantic minaret is situated the very first mosque built in India, the Quwwat –ul- Islam. Nearly 2,000 years old and seven metre tall the iron pillar stands upright in the courtyard of the mosque grabbing the attention of many visitors. There is a belief that if one could encircle the pillar with their stretched arm while standing with their back to it, their wish comes true. The lush green lawns, the fine details, the ancientness of the complex, the intricate stone carvings, adorned ornamental Islamic designs have suffered many times because of natural calamities. The main structure of the minaret is standing graciously as if it’s not ageing and is still a major attraction for tourists.