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 also includes other monuments, some of them later, 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 Tarain in 1192 marked the advent of Islam in northern India and foreshadowed its expansion. Subsequently, Itlutmish, Ala ud-Din Khilji and Feroze Sha Tughlug also added their stones to buildings, often reusing the ruins of fallen Hindu temples. This blend of styles, combining Ottoman, Persian and Hindu influences, marks the architectural beginnings of the Indian Islamic style.

To reach the site, cross the road opposite the ticket office and walk up the driveway. The visit is a pleasant stroll through greenery and old stones. But it's also one of the capital's most visited monuments, and you can expect to come across a lot of people, mainly Indians, as the site is unfortunately ignored on Western tours. Try to visit during the week if it suits your schedule. The Qutab Minar is well worth a visit.

Built in 1311 byAla ud-Din Khilji, this red sandstone and white marble portal features finely sculpted arches, typical 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. Standing 72.50 metres high, this tower was built in several stages and by several sultans. The reason for its construction is controversial. Most historians believe it was built to celebrate the victory of Muslim over Hindu rule in India. Others believe it to be a minaret used by the muezzin to call for prayer. Erected in 1193 by Qutab-ud-Din Aibak, its construction took place one year after the sultan's victory over the Hindu king Prithviraj III at the Battle of Tarain. He only had time to build the red sandstone base. His successor, Iltutmush, added three floors of red sandstone. It wasn't until 1368 that Firoz Shah Tughlak had the last two storeys added in white marble and red sandstone. Hindu craftsmen, masters of stonework and ornamentation, chiseled Quranic verses into its surface. The Qutab Minar was damaged by lightning in 1368 and by an earthquake in 1803. Since then, this historic vestige 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", was the first mosque built in Delhi. It stands to the right of the Qutab Minar and Alai Darwaza as you move towards the back of the site. 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'll notice that typical Hindu ornamentation appears on the pillars and walls of the building. Additions were made by Iltutmush in 1230 and Alla ud-Dij Khilji in 1315. Traces of these transformations can be seen here, including a widening in the form of an arch.

Theiron pillar is enthroned in the middle of the mosque's esplanade and is one of India's most curious antiquities. It measures 7.20 m and is 97% steel - quite a feat when you consider that it dates back to the ^4th century! The workmanship is meticulous, as the pillar is the result of several hundred small wires worked and welded together. It probably served as a standard-bearer for the Vishnuite cult. You'll notice inscriptions in Sanskrit. It is the largest known composite iron object from such an early period.

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

Iltutmush's tomb 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 Delhi Sultanate. The dome has collapsed, but the projecting arches, columns and entrances are carved with great finesse. The red sandstone is marked with floral motifs and Arabic calligraphy, as is the white marble tomb at the center 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 Delhi Sultanate period, planned to build a tower twice as high as Qutab Minar. All he saw was the construction of its base. The impressive base is on your left as you return to the exit from Iltutmush's tomb.