QUTAB MINAR COMPLEX

Qutab Minar means pillar or axis in Arabic. It refers to the tower built to celebrate the advent of Islam in India. But the site includes other monuments, some of which are later in time and some of which have been damaged over the centuries. Qutab ud-Din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, erected the Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque and the Qutab Minar to celebrate the victory of Islam over Hinduism. The defeat of the Hindu king Prithviraj III at the Battle of Taran in 1192 marked the advent of Islam in northern India and foreshadowed its expansion. Thereafter, Itlutmish, Ala ud-Din Khilji and Feroze Sha Tughlug also put their stones to the buildings, often reusing the ruins of Hindu temples that had fallen to the ground. This mixture of styles, combining Ottoman, Persian and Hindu influences, marks the architectural beginnings of the Indian Islamic style.

To access the site, one must cross the road in front of the ticket office and walk up the alley. The visit is a pleasant stroll among greenery and old stones. But it is also one of the most visited monuments of the capital and you can expect to come across a lot of people, mainly Indians, as the site is unfortunately ignored by Westerners. Try to come during the week if it fits in with your schedule. The Qutab Minar is well worth a visit.

Alai Darwaza built in 1311 by Ala ud-Din Khilji, this portal in red sandstone and white marble displays finely carved arches, characteristic of Muslim architecture. It is located at the entrance to the site on the left, after crossing a large lawn and heading towards Qutab Minar.

Qutab Minar is undoubtedly the highlight of the visit. This 72.50 metre high tower was built in several stages and by several sultans. The reason for its erection is controversial. Most historians believe it was built to celebrate the victory of Muslim rule over Hindu rule in India. Others think it is a minaret used by the muezzin for the call to prayer. Erected in 1193 by Qutab-ud-Din Aibak, it was built one year after the Sultan's victory over the Hindu king Prithviraj III at the Battle of Taran. He only had time to have the base built in red sandstone. His successor, Iltutmush adds three floors of red sandstone. It was not until 1368 that Firoz Shah Tughlak had two more floors of white marble and red sandstone added. It was Hindu craftsmen, masters in stone work and ornamentation, who calligraphed the Qur'anic verses by chiselling its surface. The Qutab Minar was damaged in 1368 by lightning and an earthquake in 1803. Since then, this historical relic has undergone several major renovations. It is still the highest minaret in India and the third highest in the world.

The Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque, whose name means 'the light of Islam', is the first mosque built in Delhi. It is located on the right side of the Qutab Minar and Alai Darwaza as you advance towards the back of the site. Its construction began in 1193 at the instigation of Qutab ud-Din Aibak and was completed in 1137. The materials used for its construction came from the destruction of 27 Hindu temples. On closer inspection, you will see that typical Hindu ornaments appear on the pillars or walls of the building. Additions were made by Iltutmush in 1230 and Alla ud-Dij Khilji in 1315. Traces of these additions can be seen here, including a widening in the form of an arch.

The iron pillar stands in the middle of the mosque's esplanade and is one of the most curious antiquities in India. It measures 7.20 m and is made of 97% steel, a feat when you consider that it dates from the 4th century! The work is meticulous since the pillar is the result of the assembly of several hundred small wires worked and welded together. It probably served as a standard bearer for the Vishnuite cult. You can also notice inscriptions in Sanskrit. It is the largest composite iron object known from such an ancient period.

The tomb of Sultan Ala ud-Din Khilji dates from 1311. It is located at the far left end of the complex. It adjoins a small madrasa, a custom of the time to mark the piety and generosity of the relatives of the deceased. This Qur'anic school of red sandstone contains a profusion of geometric inscriptions and arabesques in the pure Saracen tradition, but with motifs inspired by Hinduism.

The tomb of Iltutmush is to the right of the mosque, at the end of the esplanade. He had it built during his lifetime in 1235. This Mamluk sultan was the first to rule from Delhi and is considered the founder of the Sultanate of Delhi. The dome has collapsed, but the projecting arches, columns and entrances are finely carved. The red sandstone is marked with floral motifs and Arabic calligraphy, as is the white marble tomb in the centre of the building.

Alai Minar is the outline of an unfinished Pharaonic project. Ala ud-Din Khilji, one of the most powerful rulers of the period of the Sultanate of Delhi, was planning to build a tower twice as high as that of Qutab Minar. All he saw was the construction of his base. The impressive base is on your left as you return to the exit from the tomb of Iltutmush.