Delhi: the majestic Qutab Minar

I wasn't sure if I had been to the Qutab Minar before, so was happy to go and glad we did. It is a spectacular set of buildings. The carving and stone color are stunning.

History

The building was started just before 1200 AD by Qutab ul-din Aibak, who founded the Delhi Sultanate. Then additional stories to the tower and more buildings were finished over the years, including the first mosque to be built in India. The tower is the tallest of its kind (a rubble masonry minaret at 73m). What is unknown is who the building is named for (Aibak, the founder, or Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, a famous Sufi saint) or why it was built (victory tower or call to prayer).

Getting there and in

It is easy to reach on the Delhi metro (Yellow Line, Qutab Minar station) and you can get an auto rickshaw from the station for Rs. 50 although the quotes will be much higher or there will be a proposal to stop at Cottage Industries on the way to see some arts and crafts.

The entrance fee was Rs. 500 for foreigners and Rs. 30 for Indians (I used my PAN card).

What we saw

On a Sunday it is packed with families checking out the buildings and lounging on the grass. It was a nice way to experience a place. Rather than look at the buildings and then leave, people were having conversations and relaxing in the complex. Despite and because of the crowd, it was a nice time see it.

Alai Darwaya: red sandstone carvings

Alai Darwaza: designed by Turkish and local artisans

Tomb of Imam Zamin

Alai Darwaza with Qutab Minar in the background

Tomb of Imam Zamin in front of Alai Darwaza

Qutab Minar

Tomb of Ittutmish

Newly married(?) and touring the mosque

Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid: the first mosque built in India

Quawwat-ul-Islam Masjid

Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid

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