Lesser Known Facts About Qutub Minar Your Must Know

by Manish Kumar Marketing Head

Qutub Minar is known for the tallest brick minaret of the world and second in India. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monument stands 73m tall with 379 stairs reaching the top story. Earlier the top story was accessible for the public but due to a stampede that took place in 1981 that killed 45 people, the entry to the top floor was prohibited for the public. If you’re visiting and staying at New Delhi hotels, then do add Qutub Minar to your sightseeing list. The historical monument is one of the astonishing sights in New Delhi.

Built in three stages: The Qutub Minar was built in three stages by three rulers of Delhi (Qutub-ud-din Aibak, Shams ud-din Iltutmish, and Firoz Shah Tughlaq). The final structure was completed in the 14 century.
Quwwat-Ul-Islam Masjid: Quwwat- Ul- Islam Masjid stands as the first ever mosque to be built in India. The name of the mosque translated to “The Might of Islam Mosque”. This historic monument is a symbol of the ascendance of one religious power over another because the original mosque was built on the foundations of a Hindu temple whose essence can still be felt.
The Iron Pillar: The Iron Pillar is located in the Qutub Complex is 7m long and hasn’t been rusted since the past 2000 years. The pillar has attracted many archaeologist and scientist for remaining rust proof for so long.
Inscriptions on Qutub Minar: If you closely take a look at Qutub Minar you’ll find numerous inscriptions on the monument. These inscriptions include Parso-Arabic and Nagri characters. These inscriptions speak about the history behind the historical monument.
Qutub Minar Complex: Qutub Minar is surrounded by many historical monuments and these monuments including Qutub Minar were referred to as Qutub Minar Complex. The complex includes Iron Pillar, Quwwat-ul Islam Masjid, the tomb of Iltutmish etc.
Qutub Festival: There is a festival that is held in the months of October-November in the Qutub Minar complex. This festival includes several days of Sufi singing and Indian Classical music as well as dance performances. The festival is open for all and the timings are from 8 pm till 3 am.

It is also believed that there stood 27 Jain Temples which were demolished by the Muslim emperor and upon them stands the monuments we see today. If you want to reach the monument and you’re staying at hotels in Delhi near the railway station, then it is suggested to take a metro from the nearest station to Qutub Minar Metro Station. From the metro station, it’s just a 1km walk.