Qutub Minar

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

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.