Qutab Minar: the tallest brick minaret in the world

The Qutab Minar is located in Delhi (the capital city of India).
The Qutab Minar is a famous historical spot in Delhi, which is listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO . The Qutb Minar is built with bricks and is the tallest minaret (Islamic mosques of great architecture) in the world. The Qutab Minar is also a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the earliest structure during the
Indo-Islamic period.
The Qutab Minar stands at a height of 237.8 feet. The length of the foundation is about 14.3 meters; the top level is about 2.75 meters in length. There are about 379 steps between the ground level and the peak level of the Qutab Minar. In addition there are fine artworks close to the Qutab Minar.

->History
Qutb Minar was built in different stages at different time periods. The construction was started in the year 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (Delhi’s first Muslim Emperor); he was able to finish only the foundation part of the building. However IItutmish (the third among the Delhi Sultanate Dynasty) has built three additional floors to the existing foundation. The last two floors were built by Firuz Shah Tughlug (Muslim emperor belonging to the Tughlug Dynasty) in the year 1368. The architecture of different rulers who are involved in Qutb Minar’s construction is clearly seen in the building.
->Attractions
The Qutb Minar complex comprises several other structures which include the “Iron Pillar” which was built around the third century, the Iron Pillar stands at a height of seven meters and weighs almost six tons. In addition the tomb of IItutmish (emperor of the slave dynasty) is also situated at the Qutb complex.


-> Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world.
->The Qutub Minar and its adjoining monuments are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
->The diameter of Qutub Minar is 14.32 m at the base and 2.75 m on the top.
->The height of Qutub Minar is 72.5 m.
->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 1199 AD.
->The purpose behind the construction of Minar was for the use of mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer.
->The first storey was completed during the reign of Aibak.
->Many historians believe that the Qutub Minar was named after the first Turkish sultan, Qutb-ud-din Aibak. But there is a different view also. Other historians contend that it was named in honour of the Sufi Saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki
->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.
->All the stories are surrounded by protruding balconies, encircling the tower.
->The Minar contains numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters, which narrate its history.
->As per the inscriptions on its surface, it was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq and Sikandar Lodi.
->The Minar was also repaired and restored by Major. R. Smith in 1829.
->According to the Archeological Survey of India, the site at which Qutab Minar is located was once occupied by 27 Hindu and Jain temples.
->Qutab Minar is made up of red and buff sandstone, containing intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran.

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