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Being the highest tower in India, Qutub Minar is one of the most popular tourists’ attractions in New Delhi. The foundation of this marvelous structure was laid by the great emperor Qutub-ud-din Aibak in the year 1199 AD. The later section of Qutub Minar was completed by his successor Shamsu'd Din Iitutmish. Qutub Minar in Delhi looks spectacular with its red sandstone. The diameter of the structure is 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top. The height of Qutub Minar is calculated to be 72.5 m.
Tourists to Qutub Minar can have a 360 degree angel look of the surrounding of the structure. This is made possible by the rotating cameras placed on the top of Qutub Minar. Regular shows are organized around the structure to let people have a panoramic view of the Minar along with the informative instructions about the historically important structure. The most popular structures around Qutub Minar are the Tomb of Iitutmish, Quwwat-ul-Islam, Alai Minar, and the Iron Pillar.
Tomb of Iltutmish: This tomb, which is made up of red sandstone, was built in the year 1235 AD. This tomb is intended at magnificent Arabic architectural style. The tomb contains a plain square chamber made of red sandstone. It is carved with several geometrical patters that look arabesque. Many inscriptions are also found on the tomb.
Ala'i-Darwaza: This is the southern side gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. This mosque was built in the year AD 1311 by Alau'd-Din Khalji. This information is confirmed by the inscriptions that are engraved on it. Alai darwaza is also known for being the first ever building that employs Islamic principles of ornamentation and construction.
Alai Minar: This beautiful structure is towards the north of Qutub Minar. Constructed by Alaud-Din-khalji, the original intention behind the construction was to make it reach twice the size of Qutub Minar. However, this structure could reach only till one storey and the construction was deserted after the death of Alaud-Din-Khalji. The height of this structure is about 25 meters.
Quwwat-ul-Islam: This mosque was built in the year 1198 by Qutub-ud-din.
Iron Pillar: Made to stand tall in the 4th century AD, the Iron Pillar is situated in the Quwwat-ul-Islam courtyard of Qutub Minar. The height of this Pillar is about 7 meters and it weighs around 6 tones. The inscriptions seen on the Iron Pillar is in Sanskrit which explains that the pillar was erected as a flagpole to honor the Hindu God Vishnu. It also memorizes the glory of the great Emperor Chandra Gupta. The most important feature of this Iron Pillar is that it refuses to engulf rust and has been standing rust-free for more than 1600 years. There is no decomposition or any kind of rust visible on the pillar. This special structure is a perfect example of the metallurgical excellence of the ancient India.
Qutub Minar in Delhi remains open to the visitors from sunrise to sunset. The entrance fee to the Minar is Rs.10 per head for Indian citizens and visitors from SAARC countries (Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives and Afghanistan). For other visitors, it is $5- per head. Children up to the age of 15 can visit for free.
Along with Qutub Minar, know all about Delhi and its other attractions like Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Humayun Tomb, and Red Fort. Not only this, you can also seek information about Delhi Sports, Commonwealth Games 2010, Delhi Hospitals, Delhi Entertainments, Delhi Transport, Delhi Education, Delhi Hotels, and City Map.
