Difference between revisions of "Qutb complex" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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The Qutub Minar stands 72.5 metres high (237.8 ft) with 399 steps leading to the top. Although formerly closed, visitors may climb to the top of the tower for a fee of 500 INR or about US $12. The diameter of the base measures 14.3 metres wide while the top floor spans 2.75 metres in diameter. Many fine examples of [[India]]n artwork from the late 12th century CE surround the [[building]]. A second tower under construction with the plan to surpass the Qutub Minar stopped at about forty feet tall.  
 
The Qutub Minar stands 72.5 metres high (237.8 ft) with 399 steps leading to the top. Although formerly closed, visitors may climb to the top of the tower for a fee of 500 INR or about US $12. The diameter of the base measures 14.3 metres wide while the top floor spans 2.75 metres in diameter. Many fine examples of [[India]]n artwork from the late 12th century CE surround the [[building]]. A second tower under construction with the plan to surpass the Qutub Minar stopped at about forty feet tall.  
 +
[[Image:Qminar.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, stands 72.5 meters.]]
  
−
It is evident from the Indian History and has been accepted by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) that the place where Qutub Minar stands today was once occupied by about 20 Jain temples. These were demolished and the stones reused to build the present complex. An inscription stating this has been put by ASI some 10 meters from the base of the minaret. Jain [[tirthankar]] figurines can be found on many pillars and walls of the complex.
+
According to the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI), approximately twenty Jain temples once occupied the place where Qutub Minar stands today. Islamic rulers demolished them, reusing the stones to build the present complex. The ASI placed an inscription stating that ten meters from the base of the minaret. Jain [[tirthankar]] figurines can be found on many pillars and walls of the complex.
−
[[Image:Qminar.jpg|thumb|right|200px|At 72.5 meters, the Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world.]]
 
  
−
Inspired by the [[Minaret of Jam]] in [[Afghanistan]] and wishing to surpass it, [[Qutb-ud-din Aibak]], the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193, but could only complete its basement. His successor, [[Iltutmish]], added three more [[storey|storeys]] and, in 1368, [[Firuz Shah Tughluq]] constructed the fifth and the last storey. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tuglak are quite evident in the minaret. Like earlier towers erected by the [[Ghaznavids]] and [[Ghurids]] in Afghanistan, the Qutub Mahal comprises several superposed flanged and [[cylindrical]] shafts, separated by [[balcony|balconies]] carried on [[Muqarnas]] [[corbel|corbels]]. The minaret is made of fluted red [[sandstone]] covered with intricate carvings and verses from the [[Qur'an]]. The Qutub Minar is itself built on the ruins of [[Lal Kot]], the [[Red Citadel]] in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the [[Jat Tomars]] and the [[Chauhans]], the last [[Hindu]] rulers of [[Delhi]].
+
[[Qutb-ud-din Aibak]], the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, inspired by the [[Minaret of Jam]] in [[Afghanistan]] and wishing tosurpass it, commenced construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193 C.E., only completing its basement. His successor, [[Iltutmish]], added three more stories and, in 1368 C.E., [[Firuz Shah Tughluq]] constructed the fifth and the last storey. The minaret prominently displays the development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tuglak. Like earlier towers erected by the [[Ghaznavids]] and [[Ghurids]] in Afghanistan, the Qutub Mahal comprises several superposed flanged and [[cylindrical]] shafts, separated by [[balcony|balconies]] carried on [[Muqarnas]] [[corbel|corbels]]. The minaret, comprised of fluted red [[sandstone]], had been covered with intricate carvings and verses from the [[Qur'an]] by Muslim artists. The Qutub Minar stands on the ruins of [[Lal Kot]], the [[Red Citadel]] in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the [[Jat Tomars]] and the [[Chauhans]], the last [[Hindu]] rulers of [[Delhi]].
−
 
+
According to the inscriptions on its surface, Firuz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351–88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489–1517) structure. Major R.Smith also repaired and restored the minaret in 1829.
−
The purpose for building this beautiful monument has been speculated upon. It can take the usual role of a minaret, calling people for prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam [[mosque]], the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. Other possibilities are a tower of victory, a monument signifying the might of [[Islam]], or a watch tower for defence. Controversy also surrounds the origins for the name of the tower. Many historians believe that the Qutub Minar was named after the first Turkish sultan, [[Qutb-ud-din Aibak]] but others contend that it was named in honour of [[Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki]], a saint from [[Baghdad]] who came to live in India who was greatly venerated by Iltutmish.
 
−
According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351–88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489–1517). Major R.Smith also repaired and restored the minaret in 1829.
 
 
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==Alai Minar==
 
==Alai Minar==
 
[[Image:India-Qutb-Alai.jpg|200px|thumb|The incomplete Alai Minar.]]
 
[[Image:India-Qutb-Alai.jpg|200px|thumb|The incomplete Alai Minar.]]
−
Ala ud din Khilji started building the Alai Minar, which was conceived to be two times higher than Qutub Minar. The construction was abandoned, however, after the completion of the 24.5 meter high first storey; soon after death of Ala-ud-din. The first story of the Alai Minar still stands today.
+
[[Ala ud din Khilji]] started building the Alai Minar with the plan to construct the structure two times higher than Qutub Minar. The construction stopped after the completion of the 24.5 meter high first storey after death of Ala-ud-din. The first story of the Alai Minar still stands today.
  
 
==Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque==
 
==Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque==
−
Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque (Might of Islam) (also known as the ''Qutb Mosque'' or the ''Great Mosque of Delhi'') was built by Qutb-ud-din Aybak, founder of the [[Mamluk]] or [[Slave dynasty]]. The mosque construction started in the 1190s when Aibak was the commander of [[Muhammad Ghori]]'s [[garrison]] occupied Delhi. The mosque is said to be built by the parts taken by destruction of twenty-seven [[Hindu]] and [[Jain]] [[temples]].
+
Qutb-ud-din Aybak, founder of the [[Mamluk]] or [[Slave dynasty]] built Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque (Might of Islam) (also known as the ''Qutb Mosque'' or the ''Great Mosque of Delhi''). The mosque construction started in the 1190s when Aibak served as the commander of [[Muhammad Ghori]]'s [[garrison]] occupied Delhi. Historical documents state that the mosque had been built with the remenants twenty-seven [[Hindu]] and [[Jain]] [[temples]] destroyed by Muslim rulers. Historical records compiled by Muslim historian Maulana Hakim Saiyid Abdul Hai attest to the iconoclasm of Qutb-ud-din Aybak.  
−
Historical records compiled by Muslim historian Maulana Hakim Saiyid Abdul Hai attest to the iconoclasm of Qutb-ud-din Aybak.  
 
 
[[Image:India-Qutb-Decor.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Many types of structure still stand in the complex.]]
 
[[Image:India-Qutb-Decor.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Many types of structure still stand in the complex.]]
  
−
The first mosque built in Delhi, the "[[Qutb complex#Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque|Quwwat al-Islam]]" was built after demolishing the [[Jain]] temple built previously by Prithvi Raj and leaving certain parts of the temple outside the mosque proper.<ref name="Hai">Maulana Hakim Saiyid Abdul Hai "Hindustan Islami Ahad Mein" (Hindustan under Islamic rule), Eng Trans by Maulana Abdul Hasan Nadwi</ref> This pattern of iconoclasm was common during his reign, although an argument goes that such iconoclasm was motivated more by politics than by religion.<ref>[http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routes/1200_1299/index_1200_1299.html Index_1200-1299],''Columbia.edu''</ref>It was the first mosque built in Delhi after the Islamic conquest of India and the best surviving example of Ghurid's architecture.
+
Prithvi Raj previously built the [[Jain]] temple which had been demolished to make way for the "[[Qutb complex#Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque|Quwwat al-Islam]]", the first mosque built in Delhi. Parts of the Jain temple had been left outside the mosque proper .<ref name="Hai">Maulana Hakim Saiyid Abdul Hai "Hindustan Islami Ahad Mein" (Hindustan under Islamic rule), Eng Trans by Maulana Abdul Hasan Nadwi</ref> That pattern of iconoclasm had been common during his reign, although an argument goes that such iconoclasm had been motivated more by politics than by religion.<ref>[http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routes/1200_1299/index_1200_1299.html Index_1200-1299],''Columbia.edu''</ref>It was the first mosque built in Delhi after the Islamic conquest of India and the best surviving example of Ghurid's architecture.
−
 
 
−
Expansion of the mosque continued after the death of Qutub.  His successor Iltutmish extended the original prayer hall screen by three more arches. By the time of Iltutmish, the Mamluk empire had stabilized enough that the Sultan could replace most of his conscripted Hindu masons with Muslims.  This explains why the arches added under Iltutmish are stylistically more Islamic than the ones erected under Qutb's rule.
 
  
−
The mosque is in ruins today but indigenous corbelled arches, floral [[Motif (art)|motif]]s, and geometric patterns can be seen among the Islamic architectural structures.
+
Expansion of the mosque continued after the death of Qutub. His successor, [[Iltutmish]], extended the original prayer hall screen by three more arches. By the time of Iltutmish, the [[Mamluk]] empire had stabilized enough that the Sultan could replace most of his conscripted Hindu masons with Muslims. That explains why the arches added under Iltutmish appear stylistically more Islamic than the ones erected under Qutb's rule.
  
−
To the west of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque is the tomb of Iltutmish which was built by the monarch in 1235.
+
The mosque stands in ruins today but indigenous corbelled arches, floral [[Motif (art)|motif]]s, and geometric patterns can be seen among the remaining Islamic architectural structures. To the west of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque stands the tomb of Iltutmish, built by the monarch in 1235 C.E..
  
 
==Ala-I-Darwaza==
 
==Ala-I-Darwaza==
−
The Ala-I-Darwaza is a magnificent [[gate]]way in the complex. The gateway was built by the first [[Khilji]] sultan of Delhi, Ala ud din Khilji. The gateway is decorated with inlaid marble decorations, latticed stone screens and showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the [[Turkey|Turkish]] artisans who worked on it.
+
The Ala-I-Darwaza, a magnificent [[gate]]way in the complex, had been built by the first [[Khilji]] sultan of Delhi, Ala ud din Khilji. Inlaid marble decorations, latticed stone screens showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of the [[Turkey|Turkish]] artisans who worked on the gateway. Art historians consider the Quw'at'ul Islam Mosque entrance, with its horse shoe shaped arches, one of the best examples of architecture during the Sultanat period.
−
 
 
−
it is considered to one of the best building built in the sultanat period.with its horse shoe shaped arches it aads a grace to the quw'at'ul islam mosque to which it served as an enternce.
 
  
 
==Iron pillar==
 
==Iron pillar==
 
{{main|Iron pillar}}
 
{{main|Iron pillar}}
 
[[Image:India-Qutb-Iron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Inscriptions have survived the test of time on the iron pillar.]]
 
[[Image:India-Qutb-Iron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Inscriptions have survived the test of time on the iron pillar.]]
−
The iron pillar is one of the world’s foremost metallurgical curiosities. The pillar, almost seven metres high and weighing more than six tonnes, was erected by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (375–414 C.E.), (interpretation based on careful analysis of archer type Gupta gold coins) of the [[Gupta dynasty]] that ruled northern India 320–540. The pillar, with an idol of [[Garuda]] at the top, was originally located at a place called Vishnupadagiri (meaning “Vishnu-footprint-hill”), identified as modern Udayagiri, situated in the close vicinity of Besnagar, Vidisha and Sanchi, towns located about 50 kilometres east of Bhopal, in central India.  Vishnupadagiri is located on the Tropic of Cancer and, therefore, was a centre of astronomical studies during the Gupta period. The Iron Pillar served an important astronomical function, in its original site; its early morning shadow fell in the direction of the foot of Anantasayain Vishnu (in one of the panels at Udayagiri) only in the time around summer solstice (June 21). The creation and development of the Udayagiri site appears to have been clearly guided by a highly developed astronomical knowledge.  Therefore, the Udayagiri site, in general, and the Iron Pillar location in particular, provide firm evidence for the astronomical knowledge in India around 400 C.E.
+
The iron pillar represents one of the world’s foremost metallurgical curiosities. Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (375–414 C.E.), of the [[Gupta dynasty]] that ruled northern India 320–540, erected the pillar, standing nearly seven metres high and weighing more than six tons. Archeologists identified Chandragupta II Vikramaditya based on careful analysis of archer type Gupta gold coins. The pillar, with an idol of [[Garuda]] at the top, had originally been located at a place called Vishnupadagiri (meaning “Vishnu-footprint-hill”), identified as modern Udayagiri, situated in the close vicinity of Besnagar, Vidisha and Sanchi, towns located about fifty kilometres east of Bhopal, in central India.   
  
−
It is the only piece of the Jain temple remaining, which stood there before being destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aybak to build the Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Qutub built around it when he constructed the mosque.
+
Vishnupadagiri sits on the Tropic of Cancer and, therefore, a center of astronomical studies during the Gupta period. The Iron Pillar served an important astronomical function, in its original site; its early morning shadow fell in the direction of the foot of Anantasayain Vishnu (in one of the panels at Udayagiri) only in the time around summer solstice (June 21). The creation and development of the Udayagiri site appears to have been clearly guided by a highly developed astronomical knowledge. Therefore, the Udayagiri site, in general, and the Iron Pillar location in particular, provide firm evidence for the astronomical knowledge in India around 400 C.E. The pillar represents the only piece of the Jain temple remaining, which stood there before being destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aybak to build the Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Qutub built around it when he constructed the mosque.
 
[[Image:QutbIronInscription.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Translation of the inscription in English.]]
 
[[Image:QutbIronInscription.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Translation of the inscription in English.]]
  
−
The pillar bears an inscription which states that it was erected as a flagstaff in honour of the Hindu god, [[Vishnu]], and in the memory of the Gupta King [[Chandragupta II]] (375–413). Made up of 98% [[wrought iron]] of pure quality, it is 23 feet 8 inches (7.21 m) high and has a diameter of 16 inches (0.41 m). Also, it was confirmed that the temperatures required to form such kind of pillars cannot be achieved by combustion of coal. The pillar is a testament to the high level of skill achieved by ancient Indian iron smiths in the extraction and processing of iron.
+
The pillar bears an inscription stating that it had been erected as a flagstaff in honor of the Hindu god, [[Vishnu]], and in the memory of the Gupta King [[Chandragupta II]] (375–413). Made up of 98% [[wrought iron]] of pure quality, it stands 23 feet 8 inches (7.21 m) high and has a diameter of 16 inches (0.41 m). Coal-fueled furnance would have been unable to achieve the high temperatures need to form such a pillar. The pillar serves as a testimony to the expert skill of ancient Indian iron smiths in the extraction and processing of iron.  
−
 
 
−
It has attracted the attention of [[archaeology|archaeologists]] and [[metallurgy|metallurgists]] as it has withstood [[corrosion]] for the last 1600 years, despite harsh weather. Its unusually good corrosion resistance appears to be due to a high phosphorus content, which together with favorable local weather conditions promotes the formation of a solid protective passivation layer of iron oxides and phosphates, rather than the non-protective, cracked rust layer that develops on most ironwork.  
 
  
−
A fence was erected around the pillar due to the popularity of a tradition that considered good luck if you could stand with your back to the pillar and make your hands meet behind it.
+
The iron structure has attracted the attention of [[archaeology|archaeologists]] and [[metallurgy|metallurgists]] for its ability to withstand [[corrosion]] for the last 1600 years, despite harsh weather. Its unusually good corrosion resistance appears to be due to a high phosphorus content, which together with favorable local weather conditions promotes the formation of a solid protective passivation layer of iron oxides and phosphates, rather than the non-protective, cracked rust layer that develops on most ironwork. The government erected a fence around the pillar to prohibit the popular tradition of standing with your back to the pillar, making your hands meet behind it, as a token of good luck.
  
 
==Qutb Complex Gallery==
 
==Qutb Complex Gallery==
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Image:Red_engravings.jpg|Intricate engravings surround the crypt.
 
Image:Red_engravings.jpg|Intricate engravings surround the crypt.
 
Image:minar9936775.jpg|A close-up of the minaret
 
Image:minar9936775.jpg|A close-up of the minaret
−
Image:Qutub_minar.JPG|The Qutub Minar and surrounding ruins.
 
 
Image:Qutub Minar at night.jpg|The Qutub Minar at night.
 
Image:Qutub Minar at night.jpg|The Qutub Minar at night.
 
Image:India-Qutb-Yard.jpg|Open areas serve as a restful place for the abundant visitors.
 
Image:India-Qutb-Yard.jpg|Open areas serve as a restful place for the abundant visitors.
 
Image:India-Qutb-Ruins.jpg|Some areas of the complex have only a few structures still standing.
 
Image:India-Qutb-Ruins.jpg|Some areas of the complex have only a few structures still standing.
 
Image:India-Qutb-Tower.jpg|Tourists flock to the complex daily.
 
Image:India-Qutb-Tower.jpg|Tourists flock to the complex daily.
 +
<!--Image:Qutub_minar.JPG|The Qutub Minar and surrounding ruins.—>
 
<!--Image:India-Qutb-Silho.jpg|The Qutb Minar's size makes it visible from far around.—>
 
<!--Image:India-Qutb-Silho.jpg|The Qutb Minar's size makes it visible from far around.—>
 
<!--Image:India-Qutb-Silho.jpg|The Qutub Minar's size makes it visible from far around.—>
 
<!--Image:India-Qutb-Silho.jpg|The Qutub Minar's size makes it visible from far around.—>

Revision as of 15:57, 14 November 2007

Coordinates: 28.524382° N 77.185430° E

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Qutub Minar and surrounding ruins.
State Party Flag of India India
Type Cultural
Criteria iv
Reference 233
Region** Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 1993  (17th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
** Region as classified by UNESCO.

The Qutb complex refers to an array of monuments and buildings at Mehrauli in Delhi, India, the Qutub Minar standing out as the most famous. Qutb-ud-din Aybak, the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty, and his successor Iltutmish (aka Altmash) first constructed the complex in their new city called the Qila-Rai-Pithora near Prithivraj Chauhan's older city. Many subsequent rulers, including Iltutmish and Ala ud din Khilji as well as the British added to the complex.[1]

In addition to the most famous monument in the complex, Qutub Minar, other important buildings and structures stand in the complex including the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the Ala-I-Darwaza, the Alai Minar and the Iron Pillar. Twenty-seven previous Jain temples had been destroyed and their materials reused to construct the minar and other monuments of the complex.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar (Hindi : क़ुतुब मीनार Urdu: قطب منار), the tallest brick minaret in the world, constitutes an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. The tower stands in the Qutb complex in South Delhi, India. UNESCO designated the Qutub Minar and its monuments a World Heritage Site.

Remanants of the earlier Jain structure.

The purpose for building this beautiful monument, apart from the usual function of a minaret as a high place to call people for daily prayers in a mosque (the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in this complex), as been the subject of speculation. Some scholars have forwarded that hypotheses that Islamic leaders may have construced the structure as a tower of victory, a monument signifying the might of Islam, or a watch tower for defence.

Controversy surrounds the origins for the name of the tower. Many historians believe that the Qutub Minar had been named after the first Turkish sultan, Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Others speculate that that tower had been named in honor of Khwaja Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiar Kaki, a saint from Baghdad greatly venerated by Akhbar. The Qutub Minar stands 72.5 metres high (237.8 ft) with 399 steps leading to the top. Although formerly closed, visitors may climb to the top of the tower for a fee of 500 INR or about US $12. The diameter of the base measures 14.3 metres wide while the top floor spans 2.75 metres in diameter. Many fine examples of Indian artwork from the late 12th century CE surround the building. A second tower under construction with the plan to surpass the Qutub Minar stopped at about forty feet tall.

Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, stands 72.5 meters.

According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), approximately twenty Jain temples once occupied the place where Qutub Minar stands today. Islamic rulers demolished them, reusing the stones to build the present complex. The ASI placed an inscription stating that ten meters from the base of the minaret. Jain tirthankar figurines can be found on many pillars and walls of the complex.

Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan and wishing tosurpass it, commenced construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193 C.E., only completing its basement. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more stories and, in 1368 C.E., Firuz Shah Tughluq constructed the fifth and the last storey. The minaret prominently displays the development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tuglak. Like earlier towers erected by the Ghaznavids and Ghurids in Afghanistan, the Qutub Mahal comprises several superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies carried on Muqarnas corbels. The minaret, comprised of fluted red sandstone, had been covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an by Muslim artists. The Qutub Minar stands on the ruins of Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the Jat Tomars and the Chauhans, the last Hindu rulers of Delhi. According to the inscriptions on its surface, Firuz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351–88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489–1517) structure. Major R.Smith also repaired and restored the minaret in 1829.

Alai Minar

The incomplete Alai Minar.

Ala ud din Khilji started building the Alai Minar with the plan to construct the structure two times higher than Qutub Minar. The construction stopped after the completion of the 24.5 meter high first storey after death of Ala-ud-din. The first story of the Alai Minar still stands today.

Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque

Qutb-ud-din Aybak, founder of the Mamluk or Slave dynasty built Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque (Might of Islam) (also known as the Qutb Mosque or the Great Mosque of Delhi). The mosque construction started in the 1190s when Aibak served as the commander of Muhammad Ghori's garrison occupied Delhi. Historical documents state that the mosque had been built with the remenants twenty-seven Hindu and Jain temples destroyed by Muslim rulers. Historical records compiled by Muslim historian Maulana Hakim Saiyid Abdul Hai attest to the iconoclasm of Qutb-ud-din Aybak.

Many types of structure still stand in the complex.

Prithvi Raj previously built the Jain temple which had been demolished to make way for the "Quwwat al-Islam", the first mosque built in Delhi. Parts of the Jain temple had been left outside the mosque proper .[2] That pattern of iconoclasm had been common during his reign, although an argument goes that such iconoclasm had been motivated more by politics than by religion.[3]It was the first mosque built in Delhi after the Islamic conquest of India and the best surviving example of Ghurid's architecture.

Expansion of the mosque continued after the death of Qutub. His successor, Iltutmish, extended the original prayer hall screen by three more arches. By the time of Iltutmish, the Mamluk empire had stabilized enough that the Sultan could replace most of his conscripted Hindu masons with Muslims. That explains why the arches added under Iltutmish appear stylistically more Islamic than the ones erected under Qutb's rule.

The mosque stands in ruins today but indigenous corbelled arches, floral motifs, and geometric patterns can be seen among the remaining Islamic architectural structures. To the west of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque stands the tomb of Iltutmish, built by the monarch in 1235 C.E..

Ala-I-Darwaza

The Ala-I-Darwaza, a magnificent gateway in the complex, had been built by the first Khilji sultan of Delhi, Ala ud din Khilji. Inlaid marble decorations, latticed stone screens showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of the Turkish artisans who worked on the gateway. Art historians consider the Quw'at'ul Islam Mosque entrance, with its horse shoe shaped arches, one of the best examples of architecture during the Sultanat period.

Iron pillar

Inscriptions have survived the test of time on the iron pillar.

The iron pillar represents one of the world’s foremost metallurgical curiosities. Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (375–414 C.E.), of the Gupta dynasty that ruled northern India 320–540, erected the pillar, standing nearly seven metres high and weighing more than six tons. Archeologists identified Chandragupta II Vikramaditya based on careful analysis of archer type Gupta gold coins. The pillar, with an idol of Garuda at the top, had originally been located at a place called Vishnupadagiri (meaning “Vishnu-footprint-hill”), identified as modern Udayagiri, situated in the close vicinity of Besnagar, Vidisha and Sanchi, towns located about fifty kilometres east of Bhopal, in central India.

Vishnupadagiri sits on the Tropic of Cancer and, therefore, a center of astronomical studies during the Gupta period. The Iron Pillar served an important astronomical function, in its original site; its early morning shadow fell in the direction of the foot of Anantasayain Vishnu (in one of the panels at Udayagiri) only in the time around summer solstice (June 21). The creation and development of the Udayagiri site appears to have been clearly guided by a highly developed astronomical knowledge. Therefore, the Udayagiri site, in general, and the Iron Pillar location in particular, provide firm evidence for the astronomical knowledge in India around 400 C.E. The pillar represents the only piece of the Jain temple remaining, which stood there before being destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aybak to build the Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Qutub built around it when he constructed the mosque.

Translation of the inscription in English.

The pillar bears an inscription stating that it had been erected as a flagstaff in honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II (375–413). Made up of 98% wrought iron of pure quality, it stands 23 feet 8 inches (7.21 m) high and has a diameter of 16 inches (0.41 m). Coal-fueled furnance would have been unable to achieve the high temperatures need to form such a pillar. The pillar serves as a testimony to the expert skill of ancient Indian iron smiths in the extraction and processing of iron.

The iron structure has attracted the attention of archaeologists and metallurgists for its ability to withstand corrosion for the last 1600 years, despite harsh weather. Its unusually good corrosion resistance appears to be due to a high phosphorus content, which together with favorable local weather conditions promotes the formation of a solid protective passivation layer of iron oxides and phosphates, rather than the non-protective, cracked rust layer that develops on most ironwork. The government erected a fence around the pillar to prohibit the popular tradition of standing with your back to the pillar, making your hands meet behind it, as a token of good luck.

Qutb Complex Gallery

  • The Qutab Minar

  • Writing on the Minar.

  • Qutub Minar, as seen from a surrounding gate, and its height in comparison to humans.

  • A wide range of architecture resides in the complex.

  • Remains of Jain temple hallway inside the Qutb complex.

  • Intricate engravings surround the crypt.

  • A close-up of the minaret

  • The Qutub Minar at night.

  • Open areas serve as a restful place for the abundant visitors.

  • Some areas of the complex have only a few structures still standing.

  • Tourists flock to the complex daily.

See also

  • Indian architecture
  • Islamic architecture

Notes

  1. ↑ Page, J. A. (1926) "An Historical Memoir on the Qutb, Delhi" Memoirs of the Archaeological Society of India 22: OCLC 5433409; republished (1970) Lakshmi Book Store, New Delhi, OCLC 202340
  2. ↑ Maulana Hakim Saiyid Abdul Hai "Hindustan Islami Ahad Mein" (Hindustan under Islamic rule), Eng Trans by Maulana Abdul Hasan Nadwi
  3. ↑ Index_1200-1299,Columbia.edu

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Archaeological Survey of India. Humayun's Tomb & Adjacent Monuments. World heritage series. New Delhi: Archaeological Survey of India, 2002. ISBN 9788187780083
  • India. Qutb Minar & the Qutb Complex. New Delhi: Publication Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India, 2005. OCLC: 173623648
  • Jain, A. C. A Guide to the Kutab Minar. Delhi: Jainco, 1900. OCLC: 3634424
  • Page, J. A., and Y. D. Sharma. Qutab Minar & Adjoining Monuments. World heritage series. New Delhi: Archaeological Survey of India, 2002. ISBN 9788187780076
  • Peck, Lucy. Delhi, a Thousand Years of Building. New Delhi: The Lotus Collection, 2005. ISBN 9788174363541

External links

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Agra Fort · Ajanta Caves · Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi · Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park · Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus · Churches and convents of Goa · Elephanta Caves · Ellora Caves · Fatehpur Sikri · Great Living Chola Temples · Group of Monuments at Hampi · Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram · Group of Monuments at Pattadakal · Humayun's Tomb · Kaziranga National Park · Keoladeo National Park · Khajuraho Group of Monuments · Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya · Manas Wildlife Sanctuary · Mountain railways of India · Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks · Qutub Minar and its Monuments · The Red Fort complex · Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka · Sun Temple at Konark Sundarbans National Park · Taj Mahal

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