Delhi Landmark - Qutub Minar

As incredible as India is, it is remarkable that there is so much literally right in our backyard.

With the intention of preparing for Parker's upcoming visit, we have decided to embark on several exploratory trips to plan what will surely be an action packed adventure for him.

This week, Preston and I discovered Qutub Minar......a New Delhi landmark since the year 1193 A.D.

That right......1193 and built on the site of 27 former Hindu and Jain Temples that were destroyed by the first Sultan of Delhi; Qutub-Ud-Din who managed to only reach the first level before his death.

The Qutub Minar is part of a vast complex of other monuments of historical importance....and is a must see landmark on a visit to New Delhi.

The last picture I included is the beginning of a second tower, which was supoosed to be twice the height of the Qutub Minar, but the Sultan died and it was never finished.

Here are some interesting facts and 5 of the 354 photographs that we took at the site......

Interesting & Fun Facts about Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world.

The height of Qutub Minar is 72.5 m. or 238 feet tall.
There are 379 stairs inside the tower, which lead to the top.

The foundation of the tower was laid down by Qutubu’d - Din Aibak in 1193 AD.

The purpose behind the construction of Minar was for the use of mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer.

The next three stories were added by Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish, the son - in - law of Qutubu’d - Din Aibak.
The fifth and the last storey were constructed by Firuz Shah Tughlaq.

Some say it was damaged twice by lightning and subsequently repaired in the 1300's.....some say it was from earthquakes.

The Minar contains numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters, which narrate its history.

Qutab Minar is made up of red and buff sandstone, containing intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran.

Enjoy.