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...

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 stor...

Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts a rich heritage with approximately 1300 monuments gracing its landscape. Among these, Qutb Minar stands out as one of the most iconic structures. The Qutb Minar complex, in addition to the renowned minaret, houses several other fascinating monuments. This article delves into the history of a distinctive structure known as Smith's Cupola, which once adorned the pinnacle of Qutb Minar. Originally, Qutb Minar was adorned with a cupola that tragically collapsed during an earthquake in the early 19th century CE. Major Robert Smith, a dedicated British Army Engineer, played a pivotal role in the restoration efforts of the Qutb Minar complex. Following the comprehensive restoration of the Qutb Minar minaret in 1829 CE, Smith conceived and crafted a vibrant red Bengali-style cupola to crown the minaret. However, the cupola did not receive universal acclaim. When presented to the British Viceroy Lord Hardinge, it was deemed unattractive and con...

Delhi, the capital city of India, stands renowned for its plethora of monuments, boasting around 1300 of these historical treasures. Among the distinguished landmarks, Qutb Minar claims its place as one of Delhi's most popular monuments. However, within the expansive Qutb Minar complex, numerous other monuments share the historical spotlight. This article focuses on an often-overlooked gem within the complex—a unique monument dedicated to a British individual. Often unnoticed by many travelers exploring Qutb Minar, Sanderson's Sundial graces the same complex. This distinctive monument holds significance as it was erected in memory of Gardon Sanderson, a British individual who played a crucial role during the British period in India. Gardon Sanderson, employed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), conducted extensive excavations in the Qutb complex and authored several influential books on Delhi, many of which remain vital reference materials for historians. Tragically...

Delhi, the capital city of India, stands as a renowned hub of historical monuments, boasting an impressive tally of around 1300. Among these, Qutb Minar emerges as a standout attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide. Within the sprawling complex of Qutb Minar, numerous other monuments contribute to the rich tapestry of Delhi's history. This article sheds light on one such significant monument—the Tomb of Imam Zamin. Nestled next to the Quwwatul Islam Mosque , in proximity to the eastern gateway of Alai Darwaza , the graceful Imam Zamin's Tomb commands attention. Imam Zamin, originally named Muhammad Ali, was a revered Muslim saint hailing from the land of Turks. During the reign of Sikandar Lodi in the early 16th century CE, he chose Delhi as his home, playing a pivotal role in the activities associated with the adjacent Quwwatul Islam Mosque. In honor of his contributions, Imam Zamin personally commissioned the construction of his tomb in close proximity to the mosq...

Delhi, the capital city of India, is renowned for its rich array of monuments, boasting an impressive count of around 1300. Among these, Qutb Minar emerges as a prominent landmark that captures the fascination of visitors. Within the expansive Qutb Minar complex, besides the iconic Qutb Minar, numerous other historical treasures await exploration. This article delves into one such intriguing monument—the ancient Iron Pillar, a testament to the technological prowess of ancient Indians. Iron Pillar: A Metallurgical Marvel Standing tall at 7.2 meters, with a substantial portion buried 93 cm below the ground, the massive Iron Pillar occupies the courtyard of the Quwwatul-Islam mosque within the Qutb Minar complex. Initially serving as a flagstaff, known as dhwaja stambha, at a Vishnu temple—potentially associated with the modern-day Udayagiri caves in Madhya Pradesh—it later found its way to Delhi during the reign of the Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II Vikramaditya in the 4th century CE....

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...