Kutub Minar is one of main tourist spots in Delhi.
Last weekend I went early in the morning.
As usual I " researched" the place, read umpteen number of blogs, wikipedia and gathered many information. I want to write less and show more pictures, some of them are less photographed.
However Let me write some bare minimum about the place and its history - all read and gathered from other blogs and sign boards at site.
Pictures are mine.
Info about the spot:
It is in south of Delhi, a place called Mehuruli.
24 KM from Gurugrama
15 KM from Connaught place, Delhi
Nearest Metro station is Qutub Minar Station. Qutub Minar is 3 km from Metro station.
It is open on all days from sunset to sunrise. Please note the timing ! Fact is that the guy appears at the counter around 7 in the morning.
Entry fee : Rs 30 for Indian. Rs.500 for foreigner. Free for children below 15 years. (Oct 2017)
General public is not permitted to go up the stairs of the Minar, after tragic stampede in 1981 that killed many school kids.
The place is well maintained - neat and clean. Appreciate ASI to that part.
History:
The complex was originally a constellation of 27 Hindu and Jain temples, which were destroyed by Islamic invaders after defeating the last Hindu kings of Delhi. The place was known as Dhillika and ruled by Rajput Tomars and Chauhans.
It is said they built the Minar to mark the victory and show hegemony of the islamic religion. The stones were reused to build the Tower and Tombs.
Kutub Ud din Ibak is said have to started the construction in 1192. He could construct only one story. His successors subsequently built higher floors. The Minar suffered many natural calamities and got damaged (like lightning and earth quake) but repaired and restored by the successive rulers.
Architecture:
The Minar stands tall and majestic. Looks really majestic with mix of carvings.
The Minar is 72.5 mtr high, 14.3 mtr diameter in the bottom and 2.7 mtr on top, has 379 steps.
Other things in the complex :
Other interesting thing is that the ancient iron pillar which is standing rust proof for over thousands of years. It is believed that it belongs to 5 century BC, Chandragupta's time.
It is a metallurgical wonder even today. Some how ancient Indians knew to make rust proof iron pole.
The popular belief is that those who can put their hands backwards around the pillar and hold both hands would get their wish fulfilled. Now it is not permitted any more. If you have seen movie "Cheeni Kam" you recall Amithab Bachan doing it.
There are many other Tombs and mosques in the complex. There are still corridors with carved stone pillars that look really beautiful. These structures belong to erstwhile temple. Many sculptures relating to Hindu / Jain temple are lying around.
Last weekend I went early in the morning.
As usual I " researched" the place, read umpteen number of blogs, wikipedia and gathered many information. I want to write less and show more pictures, some of them are less photographed.
However Let me write some bare minimum about the place and its history - all read and gathered from other blogs and sign boards at site.
Pictures are mine.
Info about the spot:
It is in south of Delhi, a place called Mehuruli.
24 KM from Gurugrama
15 KM from Connaught place, Delhi
Nearest Metro station is Qutub Minar Station. Qutub Minar is 3 km from Metro station.
It is open on all days from sunset to sunrise. Please note the timing ! Fact is that the guy appears at the counter around 7 in the morning.
Entry fee : Rs 30 for Indian. Rs.500 for foreigner. Free for children below 15 years. (Oct 2017)
General public is not permitted to go up the stairs of the Minar, after tragic stampede in 1981 that killed many school kids.
The place is well maintained - neat and clean. Appreciate ASI to that part.
History:
The complex was originally a constellation of 27 Hindu and Jain temples, which were destroyed by Islamic invaders after defeating the last Hindu kings of Delhi. The place was known as Dhillika and ruled by Rajput Tomars and Chauhans.
It is said they built the Minar to mark the victory and show hegemony of the islamic religion. The stones were reused to build the Tower and Tombs.
Kutub Ud din Ibak is said have to started the construction in 1192. He could construct only one story. His successors subsequently built higher floors. The Minar suffered many natural calamities and got damaged (like lightning and earth quake) but repaired and restored by the successive rulers.
Architecture:
The Minar stands tall and majestic. Looks really majestic with mix of carvings.
The Minar is 72.5 mtr high, 14.3 mtr diameter in the bottom and 2.7 mtr on top, has 379 steps.
Minar viewed from inside the complex
The Minar viewed from outside the complex.
Other interesting thing is that the ancient iron pillar which is standing rust proof for over thousands of years. It is believed that it belongs to 5 century BC, Chandragupta's time.
It is a metallurgical wonder even today. Some how ancient Indians knew to make rust proof iron pole.
The popular belief is that those who can put their hands backwards around the pillar and hold both hands would get their wish fulfilled. Now it is not permitted any more. If you have seen movie "Cheeni Kam" you recall Amithab Bachan doing it.
The English translation of the inscription on the iron pole.
There are many other Tombs and mosques in the complex. There are still corridors with carved stone pillars that look really beautiful. These structures belong to erstwhile temple. Many sculptures relating to Hindu / Jain temple are lying around.
Tomb of Iltutmish. Interior has very nice carvings. The Tomb top is no more. It was collapsed long ago. Iltutmish was a slave to Qutb ud din Ibak but subsequently became his son in law and successor. he continued the Minar construction and completed.
Alai Minar, Khilji started to build another Minar but died before he could even finish first story. No one further tried to complete it. It was designed to be double the height of the other Minar. May be they could not find enough funds.
Water Well - now not in use
Beautiful carving on top of another pillar
A Ganesh Idol
A nice sculpture atop another pillar
Last words :
More I read more gibberish the history of the Minar became. There are many arguments and counter arguments about the place and the Minar itself.
History is gibberish anyway I think. You tend to lean towards a side basis your belief system, social, religious and cultural back ground and political viewpoint in addition to the facts available today.
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