Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is one of India's most iconic historical monuments, located in New Delhi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing at approximately 72.5 metres (238 feet). Built from red sandstone and marble, the monument is renowned for its intricate carvings, Arabic inscriptions, and remarkable Indo-Islamic architecture. The Qutub Minar complex also includes several important historical structures, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar of Delhi, Alai Darwaza, and the unfinished Alai Minar. It remains one of Delhi's most visited heritage attractions and a symbol of the city's medieval history.

Construction of Qutub Minar began in 1192 CE under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate's Mamluk dynasty, shortly after his victory over the Rajputs. He completed only the first storey, while his successor and son-in-law, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, added the next three storeys in the early 13th century. The fifth and final storey was later rebuilt by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century after the monument was damaged by lightning. Over the centuries, the minaret suffered damage from earthquakes and natural disasters but was repeatedly restored by various rulers and later by the British administration. The surrounding complex reflects the transition from early Islamic architecture to Indo-Islamic design, incorporating materials and artistic elements from earlier structures. In 1993, the Qutub Minar and its Monuments were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising their outstanding historical and architectural significance. Today, Qutub Minar stands as one of India's greatest architectural masterpieces and an enduring symbol of Delhi's rich cultural heritage.

Qutub Minar metro station is a short walk from the complex.