Indian Columbus

Are You Familiar with Amir Khusrow and the Spiritual Legacy of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki? If you're acquainted with the renowned Sufi poet and musician Amir Khusrow, then you've likely encountered the name of his spiritual guide, Nizamuddin Auliya. Going further back in the lineage, Nizamuddin's spiritual mentor was Fariduddin Ganjshakar, and Fariduddin's guide was none other than Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. This article delves into the historical significance of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki's dargah (shrine) in Delhi, India's capital known for its rich heritage. History Khwaja Qutbud-Din Bakhtyar Kaki, also known as Qutb-Sahib, was a prominent Sufi saint and scholar of the Chishti order hailing from Delhi. Instrumental in expanding the influence of the Chishti order from Ajmer and Nagaur to Delhi, he was born in Persia in 1173 CE and arrived in India alongside the early Muslim conquerors. His life unfolded during the rule of Ilttumish of the Slave dynasty, and he pas...

Delhi, the capital city of India, is renowned for its plethora of monuments, boasting approximately 1300 historical structures. While Qutb Minar stands as one of the city's most iconic monuments, I'd like to shed light on a lesser-known and often overlooked gem called Gandhak ki Baoli, situated in close proximity to the famous Qutb Minar, in this article. Gandhak ki Baoli is among the many step wells that grace the historical Mehrauli area of Delhi, albeit located in a highly populated and congested area, making it a bit challenging to find. Accessible from Adham Khan's tomb, with a distance of just 100 meters between them, this baoli is believed to have been constructed in the 13th century CE during the reign of Iltutmish. Its name, meaning "sulphur well," reflects the sulphur-rich water it once contained. Featuring five levels with decreasing area as one descends, the stone and rubble structure exudes simplicity. Narrow walkways serve as boundaries between...

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, 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, 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 vibrant capital of India, is renowned for its rich array of historical monuments, boasting approximately 1300 scattered across its landscape. Among these, the iconic Qutb Minar stands tall as a favorite among visitors. Within the expansive Qutb Minar complex, housing not only the famed minaret but also numerous other historical gems, lies the significant site of Iltutmish's tomb. Historical Background Rai Pithora, also known as Prithviraj Chauhan III, expanded the Lal Kot by constructing a fort named Qila Rai Pithora while ruling Delhi. Muhammad bin Sam of Ghur invaded Qila Rai Pithora, defeating Prithviraj in his second attempt and capturing the fort. Qutbud-Din Aibak, his slave, was appointed the Viceroy of Delhi and later ascended to the throne as the Sultan of Delhi in 1206 CE, marking the beginning of the slave dynasty's rule. Upon Qutbud-Din's death, his son-in-law Shamsud-Din-Iltutmish succeeded him in 1211 CE. Iltutmish made significant contri...