Qutub Minar


Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage monument, is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. 

The construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak. However, the construction was completed by Iltumish, his son-in-law in 1232 A.D. Qutub Minar is 990 ft high and is the tallest minaret in the world. 

Qutub Minar has five floors; each floor has a projecting balcony. Every floor displays beautiful carvings. Climbing the Minar is a wonderful experience. It consists of 378 steps; the apex of the tower gives you a bird's eye view of Delhi. 

Matching the grandiosity of Qutub Minar is the Red Fort in Delhi. Built in red stone by Shah Jahan on the banks of the river Yamuna, it consists of Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas and other wonderful creations. It is one of the most wonderful pieces of architecture in the world. The entrance to the fort is through the Lahore Gate, which faces Lahore, as the name implies. 



The Diwan-e-Am was the hall for the public audience. Although made of sandstone it is covered with shell plaster which gives it the ivory effect. The Diwan-e-Khas was meant for the private audience. It is built of white marble and consists of intricately carved columns. Magnificently ornamented with flowers and other stones, the Peacock Throne once the adorned the Diwan-e-Khas, unfortunately it was carried away by Nadir Shah in 1739 to Iran. 

The Qutub Minar and Red Fort are mementos which reminds us about the grandeur of the past era. History buffs must pay a visit to both these historical places to see the way in which calligraphy, geometric patterns and floral motifs were used in decoration.
