I hope all of you know about the Qutub Minar. It’s the tallest brick minaret in the world and was made up of Red Sandstone and Marble. The construction was started in 1192 and was completed in 1220. Some additions were also made in the 12th century, 14th century, and 19th centuries. It was made by Qutub ud-Din Aibak, Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps, and the design has been based on the Minaret of Jam, located in Western Afghanistan.
Several great historical monuments surround the Qutub Minar, and all of them together are referred to as the “Qutub Complex.” The complex includes the Iron Pillar of Delhi, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza, the Tomb of Iltutmish, Alai Minar, Ala-ud-din’s Madrasa and Tomb, the Tomb of Imam Zamin, Major Smith’s Cupola, and Sanderson’s Sundial.
However, just near Qutub Minar stands the first-ever mosque to be built in India. Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, the name of this mosque, translates to “The Might of Islam Mosque” in English. This building symbolizes the ascendance of one spiritual power over another. The original mosque was built on the foundations of a Hindu temple, and its essence can be seen when you visit.
Have you ever noticed the Iron Pillar, located near the Qutub Minar? The Iron Pillar has been standing tall without rusting for over 2000 years! That’s wondrous.
It was erected by Kumara Gupta of the Gupta dynasty that ruled northern India in AD 320-540. According to the ancient records, it was present in Madhya Pradesh before it moved to Delhi. But by whom and when remains a mystery. The pillar thus highlights ancient India’s achievements in metallurgy. The post is made of 98 percent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing.
From ancient times, it is believed that one, who encircles the iron pillar with hands by standing in front of it with his back, would get his all wishes fulfilled. Therefore, tourists from many corners of the world come here every year to see the beauty of this historical and unique monument.