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...

I find myself pondering if there exists another city or town in India that boasts such an enduring legacy as Delhi. Disregarding the Mahabharata period and other prehistoric eras, Delhi stands out as 'The City of Seven Cities' when we consider historical records alone. Jahanpanah, the fourth city, is the focus of this article. History Anangpal Tomar, believed to be Delhi's founder, remains shrouded in mystery, with scant details available about his era. Hailing from the Tomar Rajputs dynasty, they likely served as vassals to the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers before establishing themselves in the Aravalli hills south of Delhi around the 10th century CE. Anangpal Tomar is credited with constructing Lal Kot, the nucleus of Delhi's first city. King Vigraharaja IV, also known as Visaladeva or Bisaldeo, of the Chauhan dynasty seized Delhi from the Tomars in the latter half of the 12th century CE. His grandson, Prithviraj Chauhan III, the popular historical figure and the hero ...