Behold the Majestic Qutub Minar: A Stately Tower that Stands the Test of Time!

Qutb Minar, the tallest stone tower in India, stands tall and proud as a symbol of victory and architectural marvel. The brainchild of Qutbud-Din Aibak, the tower was initially conceived as an attachment to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in A.D. 1192-1210. Qutbud-Din completed the first storey, while the second, third, and fourth were finished by his successor, Iltutmish, in A.D. 1211-36.

 

However, the tower endured damage from lighting strikes in 1326 and 1368, which resulted in the dismantling of the fourth storey. The structure was reconstructed by Firuz Tughlug in A.D. 1351-88 with an additional storey, making it a five-storied tower. Later on, in 1503, Sikandar Lodi carried out stone restorations in the upper stories, further enhancing the tower's grandeur and beauty.

 

The Qutb Minar stands tall at a height of 238 ft and boasts 379 steps, making it the highest stone tower in India. Interestingly, it is surprising to note that its height is only 5 ft less than that of the Taj Mahal, which stands at a height of 243ft.

The tower's striking appearance is attributed to the design of its storeys. The lowest storey features alternate angular and circular flutings, while the second has round ones, and the third showcases angular ones only, maintaining the same alignment throughout. This vertical alignment gives the Minar a pleasing and visually captivating appearance. Moreover, the tower's projecting balconies with beautiful stalactite pendentives and tiny alcoves further heighten its pleasing effect.

The decorative inscriptional bands that define each storey with undulating curves add to the tower's visual appeal. The Qutb Minar boasts a diameter of 46 ft at the base and approximately 9 ft at the top, further emphasizing its impressive stature.

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