One of the finest examples of Indo Islamic heritage, Qutub Minar is a popular historic site and a sought-after tourist attraction in Delhi. Built by the Mughal emperor Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193, the 240 feet tall tower is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Apart from the minaret, the Qutub complex also features several other architectural marvels that make the complex a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We have curated a list of five interesting facts about Qutub Minar that will help you take a deeper look at the Islamic architecture in India:
- The Qutub Minar is the symbol of the establishment of Mughal rule in India. The country's first Muslim ruler, Qutub-ud-Din Aibak built the "Victory Tower" to mark the defeat of India's last Hindu king and establish Delhi Sultanate.
- The Qutub Complex also consists of the Iron Pillar of Delhi. A 7 m tall column made out of iron that has been resisting rust for over 2000 years now!
- The top structure of the Qutub Minar was destroyed by lightning. Firoz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the top floor of the minaret and it looks distinctly different from the entire tower as it has been made out of white marble.
- Until 1980, the Qutub Minar used to be open to the general public. But on December 4, 1981, 45 people were killed in a stampede that followed after a power failure on the staircase of the Qutub Minar. Ever since the admission of the general public inside the monument has been banned.
- Alauddin Khilji dreamed of building another tall tower twice the height of Qutub Minar right next to it. But at the time of his death, the construction of the tower had reached a height of 27 meters and nobody wished to continue with the project. The unfinished tower still lies near the Qutub Minar.
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