Who Built Qutub Minar and Who Completed It?

Who Built Qutub Minar: Discover the fascinating history behind the Qutub Minar in our blog. Learn about who built this iconic tower and the contributions of those who completed it. We delve into the life of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, and the subsequent rulers who added to its grandeur.

The Qutub Minar, also known as Kutub Minar, is a historic tower located just south of Delhi, India. Built in the early 13th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, the tower rises 72.5 meters and narrows from 14.32 meters at its base to 2.75 meters at the top. Its design features a mix of angular and rounded flutings.

The Qutub Minar is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes several notable structures. Among them are the Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art built in 1311, and the Quwwatu’l-Islam mosque, the oldest mosque in northern India. The complex also houses the Iron Pillar and Alauddin Khalji’s mausoleum. The Qutub Minar remains a key symbol of Islamic architecture and India’s rich cultural history, and you can find many Qutub Minar photos showcasing its intricate carvings and historical significance.

What is Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar, also known as Kutub Minar, is one of India’s most famous historical landmarks. This majestic tower, standing tall in Delhi, captivates visitors with its historical significance and architectural beauty. Let’s explore what makes the Qutub Minar so remarkable.

Where is Qutub Minar Located?

The Qutub Minar is located in the Qutub Complex in Mehrauli, New Delhi, India. It stands within the historic precincts of the Qutub Minar complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Who Built Qutub Minar and Who Completed It?

The construction of the Qutub Minar began in 1193 AD under the rule of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk dynasty in India. After Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s death, the work was completed by his successor, Iltutmish, around 1220 AD.

Qutub Minar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Qutub Minar, a towering symbol of Indo-Islamic heritage, is located in Delhi and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. This iconic monument stands proudly within the Qutub Complex, a historical site that also features the Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Alauddin Madrasa and Tomb, Iron Pillar, Imam Zamin’s Tomb, Sanderson’s Sundial, and Major Smith’s Cupola. The Alai Minar, intended to be even taller than the Qutub Minar, was never completed due to the death of its patron, Alauddin Khilji.

The Qutub Complex hosts the annual three-day Qutb Festival, showcasing music, dance, and art. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the Qutub Minar attracts tourists who enjoy the scenic beauty and often capture its grandeur in Qutub Minar photos to remember their visit.

Historically, the Qutub Minar tells a story of victory and architectural evolution. Built in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, it marks his triumph over the last Hindu kingdom of Delhi. The minaret has weathered the ravages of time and nature. The Qutub Minar suffered significant damage from lightning in 1368. Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq took action to repair the minaret, adding two new storeys to its structure. Later, in 1803, an earthquake struck and further weakened the tower. In response, British Major Robert Smith carried out renovations in 1828, which included adding a dome to the top. However, in 1848, Lord Henry Hardinge directed the removal of the dome, and it was placed on the ground nearby, now known as Smith’s Folly. The removed dome now rests at the base of the tower, known as Smith’s Folly.

Also Check: Essay on Qutub Minar

History of Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar’s history is intertwined with the establishment of Muslim rule in India. Qutb-ud-din Aibak commissioned the tower as a victory monument to commemorate the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. The tower symbolizes the beginning of Islamic dominance in the region.

The Qutub Minar, an architectural gem of Delhi, boasts a rich history that stretches back to the late 12th century. Its construction began in 1192 AD under the direction of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. Qutb-ud-din Aibak built the Qutub Minar to celebrate his victory over the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan. It mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India. He only constructed the base of the minaret. His successor, Sultan Iltutmish, completed the tower in 1220 AD by adding three more stories. Constructors built the gate from red sandstone and adorned it with white marble, earning it the title “Jewel of Islamic Architecture.” The hall inside measures 35 ft in length, 56.5 ft in width, and has a ceiling height of 47 feet.

Throughout its history, the Qutub Minar has faced numerous natural disasters and restorations. In 1368, lightning struck and damaged the top of the tower. Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq, who ruled from 1351 to 1388, repaired the damage and added two new storeys made of marble and red sandstone, giving the minaret its unique look.

In 1803, another earthquake damaged the Qutub Minar. British Major Robert Smith led repairs in 1828, adding a dome to the fifth floor. However, in 1848, Lord Henry Hardinge, the Governor-General of India, had the dome removed, and it was relocated to the nearby ground, where it became known as Smith’s Folly.

Despite restorations, the Qutub Minar remains a key symbol of India’s rich heritage, showcasing medieval architectural skills and attracting global visitors.

Qutub Minar Was Built in the Memory Of Whom?

The Qutub Minar was built to honor the military successes of Qutb-ud-din Aibak and to signify the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate. It also served as a minaret for making the call to prayer, highlighting its religious importance.

Qutub Minar Was Built by Which Dynasty?

The Qutub Minar was constructed during the Mamluk dynasty, also known as the Slave dynasty. This dynasty was one of the first Islamic dynasties to rule over parts of northern India. Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the dynasty’s founder, initiated the construction of the minar in 1193. His aim was to symbolize the triumph of Muslim rule in the region. The Mamluk dynasty’s influence is evident in the Qutub Minar’s architectural style, which reflects the early phase of Islamic design in India. The structure, completed by Aibak’s successor Iltutmish, stands as a testament to the Mamluk dynasty’s impact on Indian history and architecture.

Don’t Miss:

• Who is the greatest emperor of India?
• What are the Middle Ages – Period of Middle Ages and History
• Who was the First to Invade India?
• When did the French Come to India

Significance of Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar is of great historical and cultural importance. It represents the advent of Islamic architecture in India and serves as a testament to the artistic and architectural skills of the era.

• The Qutub Minar is also one of the tallest brick minarets in the world, symbolizing the power and influence of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Architectural Achievement: The Qutub Minar represents a significant architectural feat of the 12th century, showcasing early Islamic design and the use of red sandstone and intricate carvings.
• Historical Symbol: It symbolizes the establishment of Muslim rule in India, marking the start of the Delhi Sultanate under the Mamluk dynasty.
• Cultural Fusion: The minar reflects the blending of Islamic and local architectural styles, illustrating the cultural synthesis of the period.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Qutub Minar, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds great value for its historical significance and its contribution to global heritage.
• Technological Innovation: The construction techniques used in the Qutub Minar, including the use of a circular staircase within, highlight advanced engineering skills of its time.
• Tourist Attraction: As one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks, the Qutub Minar draws millions of visitors annually, contributing to cultural tourism and education about medieval Indian history.

Features of Qutub Minar

Here are some notable features of the Qutub Minar:

Feature	Details
Height	Approximately 73 meters (240 feet)
Material	Red sandstone with marble accents
Design	Cylindrical tower with a spiral staircase inside
Decorations	Calligraphic inscriptions, intricate carvings, and geometric patterns
Levels	Five distinct stories or tiers

What is Qutub Minar’s Architecture?

The architecture of the Qutub Minar reflects a blend of Indo-Islamic styles. Key aspects include:

• Base: The tower has a cylindrical base that widens towards the bottom, giving it stability.
• Minaret Structure: It features a spiral staircase leading to the top, with 379 steps.
• Decorative Elements: The exterior is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions in Arabic, celebrating victories and religious phrases.
• Material: The use of red sandstone and marble highlights the architectural prowess of the time and contributes to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Exploring the Qutub Minar Complex

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
The Qutub Minar Complex features the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in northern India. Built using materials from around 27 Jain temples, the mosque displays elements of Hindu decoration in its columns and domes. This blend of architectural styles reflects the collaborative effort between Hindu craftsmen and the builders of the mosque. The mosque’s striking pillars and arches continue to draw admiration. To the west of the mosque lies the tomb of Sultan Iltutmish.

Iron Pillar of Delhi
Another highlight of the Qutub Complex is the famous Iron Pillar, located in the courtyard of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Erected in the 4th century during the Gupta dynasty, the pillar stands 7.2 meters tall and is made of 98% iron. Remarkably, it has resisted rusting over the centuries. The top of the pillar features an image of Garuda, adding to its historical significance.

Alai Darwaza Gate
The Alai Darwaza Gate, built in 1311 CE by Sultan Alauddin Khilji, is one of Delhi’s oldest gates. It exemplifies early Islamic architecture. Builders used red sandstone and white marble, earning it the title “Jewel of Islamic Architecture.” The hall inside is 35 feet long, 56.5 feet wide, and has a 47-foot high ceiling. The gate’s well-preserved lattice windows and intricate decorations offer insight into the era’s architectural style.

Alauddin’s Tomb and Madrasa
The Qutub Complex also includes the tomb of Alauddin Khilji and the Alauddin Madrasa, reflecting the historical importance of the area.

Qutub Festival

Each year, the Qutub Complex hosts the Qutub Festival, a vibrant three-day event celebrating music, art, and Sufi dance. The festival transforms the area into a cultural hub, with the Qutub Minar providing a stunning backdrop. Visitors flock to the festival to enjoy performances and capture the beauty of the Qutub Minar in photos, making for a memorable experience.

Qutub Minar Photos

To truly appreciate the grandeur of the Qutub Minar, viewing photos can provide a visual understanding of its impressive design. You can find numerous Qutub Minar photos here that showcase its detailed carvings, towering structure, and the intricate patterns that adorn the minaret.

Who Built Qutub Minar FAQs

Who built Qutub Minar?

The Qutub Minar was initially built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in AD 1199.

Who built Qutub Minar and who completed it?

Qutb-ud-din Aibak started the construction of the Qutub Minar, and his successor, Sultan Iltutmish, completed it.

Who built Qutub Minar and why?

Qutb-ud-din Aibak constructed the Qutub Minar to commemorate his victory over the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan and to mark the establishment of Muslim rule in India.

Was Qutub Minar built by Mughals?

No, the Qutub Minar was built by the Delhi Sultanate, specifically by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and later completed by Sultan Iltutmish.

What is written on Qutub Minar?

The Qutub Minar features inscriptions in Arabic, including verses from the Quran and inscriptions celebrating the achievements of its builders.

Who finished making Qutub Minar?

Sultan Iltutmish completed the construction of the Qutub Minar in 1220 AD.

Who is the owner of Qutub Minar?

The Qutub Minar is a historical monument owned by the Government of India and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.