A soaring
tower of early Muslim vintage, the Qutab Minar attracts many visitors from 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. The monument tapers from a
15-meter diameter base to just 2½ meters at the top.
The tower has five distinct stores, each marked by a projecting
balcony. The first three stores are made of red sandstone, the
fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. The Qutab Minar is covered
with intricate carvings and deeply inscribed verses from the Koran.
Work on the Minar was started by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1199,
celebrating the advent of Muslim dominance in Delhi, but the
construction was completed by his successors. To Qutab-ud-din, the
tower marked the eastern extremity of the Islamic faith, casting the
shadow of God over east and west. It was also a minaret, from which
the muezzin called the devout to prayer.
Today, this impressively ornate tower has a slight tilt, but has
otherwise remained remarkably well preserved over the centuries.
India
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