Indian Columbus

Delhi, India's capital, is renowned for its rich collection of monuments, boasting approximately 1300 in total. Among these, the Qutb Minar stands out as one of Delhi's most iconic structures. However, the Qutb Minar complex is home to various other historical gems. This article aims to explore these monuments, presenting them in chronological order from the oldest to the most recent. Iron Pillar Iron Pillar The imposing Iron Pillar, standing at a height of 7.2 meters, graces the courtyard of the Quwwatul-Islam mosque within the Qutb Minar complex. Most historians deduce from inscriptions that this iron marvel was crafted during the reign of Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II Vikramaditya in the 4th century CE. Legend has it that Anangpal Tomar, the Delhi ruler, transported this pillar from Vishnupada and installed it in Delhi. Even as the Slave dynasty erected the Qutb Minar, converting temple areas into a mosque, the Iron Pillar retained its place in the mosque's court...

Delhi, the renowned capital of India, boasts a rich tapestry of historical monuments, with approximately 1300 scattered throughout the city. Among these, the Qutb Minar stands as a prominent attraction. Situated within the Qutb Minar complex, this article will delve into the historical significance of another captivating structure: Alai Darwaza. History The Slave Dynasty held sway over Delhi until 1290 CE, when Firuz Shah of the Khalji tribe ascended the throne, marking the beginning of the Khalji Dynasty's rule. Alaud-Din, a prominent figure in the Khalji Dynasty, laid the foundation of Siri, the second city of Delhi. Known for his ruthlessness, Alaud-Din did not hesitate to eliminate perceived threats to his rule, often resorting to mass killings of entire families. His conquests extended across India, leaving a trail of destruction.  It is said that he had once slaughtered around 30,000 people in a single day in Delhi. To retain power, he had even killed his own family me...

Delhi, India's capital, is renowned for its wealth of monuments, boasting around 1300 of them. Among the city's iconic landmarks, Qutb Minar stands out as a popular favorite. In the vast Qutb Minar complex, numerous other historical gems await exploration, with one such significant monument being Quwwatul-Islam Masjid. History The origins of Delhi are linked to Anangpal Tomar, a figure from the Tomar Rajputs dynasty.  Nothing much is known about his period or other details. He belonged to the Tomar Rajputs dynasty. They were probably feudatories of Gurjara-Pratihara rulers. Tomars established themselves in the Aravalli hills south of Delhi. The period must be sometime in the 10th century CE (It cannot be 8th century as claimed by Wikipedia or other websites). Anangpal, believed to be the founder of Delhi, is credited with building Lal Kot, the foundational defense structure of Delhi.  Lal Kot is the core of the first city of Delhi.  In the 12th century CE, King Vig...

Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts a rich heritage of monuments, with approximately 1300 scattered throughout the city. Among these, Qutb Minar stands out as one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks. The Qutb Minar complex, besides housing the renowned Qutb Minar itself, encompasses several other historical structures. Let's delve into some of the monuments within this complex that were commissioned by Alauddin Khalji. History The Slave Dynasty held sway over Delhi until 1290 CE when Firuz Shah of the Khalji tribe ascended the throne, marking the commencement of Khalji Dynasty's rule in Delhi. Alaud-Din Khalji, a prominent ruler in the Khalji Dynasty, made significant contributions, including laying the foundation of Siri, the second city of Delhi. Known for his ruthlessness, Alauddin Khalji eliminated perceived threats to his rule without hesitation, orchestrating the demise of entire families, including women and children. His reign witnessed extreme brutality, with...

Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts a rich heritage of monuments, with approximately 1300 scattered across its landscape. Among these, the iconic Qutb Minar stands as one of the most renowned structures. Within the Qutb Minar complex, amidst various monuments, lies the intriguing and incomplete Alai Minar, which we shall explore in this article. History The Slave Dynasty held sway over Delhi until 1290 CE when Firuz Shah of the Khalji tribe ascended the throne, marking the beginning of Khalji Dynasty's rule. Alaud-Din, a notable figure in the Khalji Dynasty, initiated the construction of Siri, the second city of Delhi. Known for his ruthless rule, Alaud-Din spared no one whom he perceived as a threat to his authority, often resorting to mass executions that included women and children. His cruelty extended even to his own family members, whom he eliminated to secure his position.  It is said that he had once slaughtered around 30,000 people in a single day in Delhi. To ret...