Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar Detail by Varun Shiv Kapur
Built around 1202 AD, the Qutub Minar is the tallest brick tower in India, and probably in the world.
[Download a comic-style Pictoguide or a Timehop audio tour to Qutub Minar]
Marking a New Chapter
It marked the start of a new chapter in India’s long history, that of Islamic rule under Qutbuddin Aibak. The tower was most probably built to symbolize his victory, just like some other towers seen in Rajasthan and Afghanistan. It was also a part of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the ‘Power of Islam’.
Mosque Screen Wall by Varun Shiv Kapur
Multi-Layered History
The Minar itself has a multi-layered history, being the product of not one but three rulers – Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, all of whom added levels to it, making it more and more imposing. They also expanded the mosque over the years to accommodate more and more worshippers. The Minar has also faced the ravages of time bravely, having been damaged by lightening at least twice.
This complex had been in use for centuries, and is part of the oldest capital city of Delhi. Though major settlements moved away under different rulers, this area has never been uninhabited. Part of this is also due to another Qutb – Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, one of the most venerated Sufi saints of India, in whose honour the Qutb Minar is also known as ‘Qutb Saheb ki Lath’ or ‘The staff/stick of Mr. Qutb’.
Architectural Fusion
Column Details by Varun Shiv Kapur
The beauty of the tower, and the entire complex, also lies it its synthesis of Indian and Islamic styles of architecture, for these were projects commissioned by new, foreign rulers, but undertaken by Indian craftsmen who added their own touches. The mosque itself is very unique, for it is built using material from over twenty demolished temples that stood in the area. As a result the columns of the corridors contain human figures, which are never seen in mosques otherwise.
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To visit the Qutb Minar Complex is to be taken to a fantasy land, one that you must visit at least once in your life. Just remember to download a Go!Places guide before you go!
Complete reference to the Qutub Minar Complex, UNESCO World Heritage site | colour photos and info blurbs in a comic-style layout | includes 3D map and bibliography | 10 page PDF download
Price: $1.99
Avatar-style audio tour provides a dramatized account of history that perfectly blends fact and fiction | 6 tracks totalling 11 mins of audio with background music and sound effects | 3D route map | Qutub Minar Pictoguide included for free | Zip file download includes MP3 audio files and PDF Pictoguide | Easily played on any MP3 player and many cell phones / handhelds
Price: $4.99
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