Qutb Minar

Today, the Qutub Minar stands as more than just a historic monument and a Delhi landmark. It is woven into the collective memory of long-time residents. Towering over the Delhi skyline at 240 feet, the Qutub Minar is one of the capital's most iconic and breathtaking structures.

The Qutub Minar has become almost synonymous with the city of Delhi. At any time of the day, you will find curious tourists, young couples, and families wandering around, admiring the magnificent tower. This unique minaret rises majestically, surrounded by tombs, mosques, passageways, and pillars, many of which have succumbed to the ravages of time.

Qutb Minar, India's tallest stone tower, holds the prestigious title of a UNESCO heritage site and is revered as one of the nation's most iconic monuments. Unlike many structures associated with a specific king or dynasty, its construction spans various historical periods. Let's embark on a journey back a millennium to unravel the evolutionary story of this monumental masterpiece.

Lal Kot - the area where Qutb Minar stands

Anangpal Tomar is credited as the founder of Delhi, having constructed Lal Kot, the city's inaugural settlement, in the 10th century CE.

In the latter half of the 12th century CE, King Vigraharaja IV, also known as Visaladeva or Bisaldeo, from the Chauhan dynasty (or Chahamana dynasty) of Sakambhari (modern-day Sambhar region), successfully seized Delhi from the Tomars. Prithviraj Chauhan III, Vigraharaja's grandson and renowned as Rai Pithora, emerged as a key historical figure celebrated for leading Hindu resistance against Muslim invaders. Expanding Lal Kot, he erected another fort known as Qila Rai Pithora.

Muhammad bin Sam of Ghur mounted two invasions on Qila Rai Pithora. In the second attempt, he defeated Prithviraj, capturing the fort. 

Qutbud-Din Aibak, Muhammad bin Sam's slave, assumed the role of Viceroy of Delhi. In 1206 CE, he declared himself Sultan of Delhi, marking the onset of the Slave dynasty's rule. Qutbud-Din Aibak undertook the destruction of temples and structures in Lal Kot, part of Qila Rai Pithora, and initiated the construction of Quwwatul-Islam Masjid in the area. Simultaneously, he commenced the building of Qutb Minar near the mosque.

Qutb Minar by Qutbud-Din


Numerous legends and varying perspectives surround the construction of this towering and majestic minaret. However, the prevailing consensus among scholars and historians suggests that Qutbud-Din Aibak of the Slave dynasty initiated its construction.

Qutbud-Din managed to complete only the ground floor of the minaret, featuring alternating circular and triangular grooves. The purpose behind his endeavor remains speculative.

There are several theories about the purpose of Qutub Minar: it might have served as the minaret of the adjacent mosque, from where the Muezzin would call the faithful to prayer, or it could have functioned as a military watchtower to monitor enemy movements. The most probable reason, according to some scholars, is that it was built as a victory tower, similar to the minarets in Afghanistan, indicating a significant influence from those structures. It can be compared to the 62-metre all-brick Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, which was constructed a decade or so before the probable start of this tower.

There is uncertainty about its naming. Some believe it was named after the Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, while others think it was named after Aibak himself.

The Qutub Minar was built on the ruins of Lal Kot, which consisted of 27 Hindu and Jain temples and Qila Rai Pithora. 

Qutb Minar by Iltutmish

Following Qutbud-Din, his son-in-law Shamsud-Din-Iltutmish ascended to the throne of Delhi in 1211 CE. Iltutmish played a crucial role in expanding both the Qutb Minar and Quwwat mosque. He augmented the minaret by incorporating three additional floors. The first floor showcased circular grooves, while the second floor featured triangular grooves. Up to this point, all the floors were constructed from red sandstone and adorned with Quranic inscriptions and calligraphy.

Regrettably, the third floor, constructed under Iltutmish's reign, fell victim to lightning and was destroyed in the year 1368 CE.

Qutb Minar by Tughlaq

Following the decline of the Slave dynasty, the Khalji dynasty assumed control in Delhi, succeeded by the Tughlaq dynasty. In 1326 CE, Qutb Minar endured the impact of a lightning strike, prompting repairs conducted by Muhammed Tughlaq. Subsequently, in 1368 CE, the structure suffered additional damage, leading to the complete destruction of the third floor. Firuz Tughlaq initiated restoration efforts, replacing the third floor with two smaller floors. These new levels were crafted from marble, with the exception of the lower segment of the fourth floor, which retained its red sandstone composition. Additionally, Firuz Tughlaq introduced a cupola atop the minaret.

Restoration by Lodi

Following the Tughlaq dynasty, the governance of Delhi transitioned to the Sayyid dynasty, subsequently ushering in the era of the Lodis. In 1503 CE, Sikandar Lodi from the Lodi dynasty undertook restoration efforts on the upper stories of Qutb Minar.

Repairs by the British

During an earthquake in the early 19th century CE, the cupola crowning the minaret collapsed. Major Robert Smith, a British Army Engineer, played a pivotal role in the restoration of the Qutb Minar complex. After completing the entire restoration of the Qutb Minar minaret in 1829 CE, he crafted a vibrant red-colored Bengali-style cupola and installed it atop the minaret.

However, for the British Viceroy Lord Hardinge, the structure did not appeal and was deemed an eyesore. Consequently, he ordered its removal in 1848 CE.

Constructed over many years by various dynasties, the Qutub Minar now stands five storeys tall with 379 steps leading to the top. Unfortunately, it was closed to visitors in 1981 after a tragic stampede on its narrow staircase resulted in the deaths of 45 people, primarily schoolchildren.

This concludes the narrative of Qutb Minar... Happy travelling.