Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most significant monuments of medieval India, showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Qutub Minar |
| Location | Qutub Minar Complex, Mehrauli, Delhi |
| Started by | Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1199 CE) |
| Completed by | Iltutmish (1220 CE) |
| Renovations by | Firoz Shah Tughlaq, Sikandar Lodi |
| Height | 72.5 meters (237.8 feet) |
| Floors | 5 |
| Material Used | Red sandstone & marble |
| UNESCO Heritage Site | Declared in 1993 |
| Architectural Style | Indo-Islamic Architecture |
| Purpose | Victory tower, Call for prayer (Adhan) |
Historical Background
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak started constructing Qutub Minar in 1199 CE to celebrate Muslim rule in India after his victory in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE).
- Iltutmish (1210-1236 CE) added three more stories to complete it.
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 CE) repaired the minaret after it was damaged by an earthquake.
- Sikandar Lodi also made some renovations in the 16th century.
Architectural Features
1. Height & Structure
- Stands 72.5 meters (237.8 feet) tall.
- Has 5 distinct floors, each marked by a balcony.
2. Materials Used
- First three stories: Made of red sandstone.
- Fourth & fifth stories: Made of marble & sandstone (added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq).
- Iltutmish is credited with completing Qutub Minar, while Firoz Shah Tughlaq made later modifications.
3. Indo-Islamic Design
- The tower has intricate Arabic inscriptions from the Quran.
- It is slightly tilted due to structural modifications over time.
- Carvings include geometric patterns and floral designs.
4. Function
- Built as a victory tower to commemorate Islamic dominance in India.
- Also used as a Minaret (tower) for calling the faithful to prayer at the nearby Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.
Expansion & Modifications
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak: Constructed the first story.
- Iltutmish: Added the next three stories.
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Repaired damages and added the final story.
- British Period (19th century): The top portion was rebuilt after being damaged by lightning.
Nearby Structures in Qutub Complex
- Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque – First mosque in North India.
- Iron Pillar – A Gupta-era pillar known for its rust-resistant quality.
- Alai Darwaza – Built by Alauddin Khalji as an entrance.
- Alai Minar – An unfinished minaret planned by Alauddin Khalji.
Significance of Qutub Minar
- Symbol of Islamic victory in India after the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan.
- Tallest brick minaret in the world.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.
- Represents the beginning of Indo-Islamic architecture in India.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Started by | Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1199 CE) |
| Completed by | Iltutmish (1220 CE) |
| Height | 72.5 meters |
| No. of stories | 5 |
| Material | Red sandstone & marble |
| Purpose | Victory tower, Prayer call |
| Renovations | Firoz Shah Tughlaq, Sikandar Lodi |
| UNESCO Status | Declared in 1993 |
MCQs on Qutub Minar
1. Who started the construction of Qutub Minar?
A) Iltutmish
B) Alauddin Khalji
C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
2. In which city is the Qutub Minar located?
A) Agra
B) Fatehpur Sikri
C) Delhi
D) Ajmer
Answer: C) Delhi
3. How many stories does Qutub Minar have?
A) 3
B) 5
C) 7
D) 6
Answer: B) 5
4. What material was used in the construction of Qutub Minar?
A) Granite
B) Sandstone and Marble
C) Limestone
D) Wood
Answer: B) Sandstone and Marble
5. Which ruler completed the construction of Qutub Minar?
A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
B) Iltutmish
C) Alauddin Khalji
D) Babur
Answer: B) Iltutmish
6. Who built the Alai Minar near Qutub Minar?
A) Iltutmish
B) Alauddin Khalji
C) Akbar
D) Balban
Answer: B) Alauddin Khalji
7. Qutub Minar was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which year?
A) 1983
B) 1993
C) 2003
D) 1973
Answer: B) 1993
Subjective Questions on Qutub Minar
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who built the Qutub Minar, and what was its purpose?
- How many stories does the Qutub Minar have?
- What is the significance of the Qutub Minar Complex?
- Which materials were used in the construction of Qutub Minar?
- Name any two rulers who contributed to the construction of Qutub Minar.
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the architectural features of the Qutub Minar.
- Explain the historical significance of the Qutub Minar.
- Describe the contributions of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, and Firoz Shah Tughlaq in building Qutub Minar.
- What are the important structures in the Qutub Minar Complex?
- How did the Delhi Sultanate influence Indo-Islamic architecture, using Qutub Minar as an example?
These notes and questions are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, CDS, NDA, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History and Architecture.