Trip Advisor

Timing

06:00 - 18:00

Closing Day

NA

Website

https://asi.nic.in/qutb-minar/

Direction

Map

Phone

NA

Toilet

Yes

Wheelchair Accessible

Yes

Do's/Dont's

Free entry for children below the age of 15.

Audio Guide

Yes

Charges::

Entrance Fees (Per Person)

India

Adult

600

Child

0

Foreign Nationals

Adult

600

Child

0

Bimstec and Saarc Nationals

Adult

50

Child

0

History

There are many stories about Qutub Minar construction. As per some, this minaret was built as symbol of victory and to mark the start of Islamic invasion, while according to some it was built for the purpose of praying. According to the widely accepted history of this minaret, it was Qutub-ud-din Aibak the first Muslim conqueror of Delhi who built Qutub Minar in in 1192.As per the Qutub Minar history, although the construction was stated by him, only the basement of the minaret could be completed during his reign. The main mosque was also built in 1197. Later, three more storeys were added to the minar during the rule of his successor Iltutmish around 1230. After that again in 1368, the last storey of the Qutub Minar was added by Firoz Shah Tughlak.The inscriptions of the minaret are in Arabic; these inscriptions providing detailed information on Qutub Minar. As per these inscriptions on the minaret, it was also restored by the Sikandar Lodi during 1489-1517. Later in 1829, it was again repaired by the Major R. Smith.One could access the top of the Qutub Minar before the year of 1974. Through a path via a narrow staircase, tourists could reach the top and enjoy the mesmerising view of the surrounding areas. Later due to an unfortunate accident in 1981, the entry was prohibited.In the month of December, 1981, there were around 300-400 tourists inside the minar when an electricity failure occurred; this led to complete darkness inside the staircase. This in turn led to stampede. Around 45 people died in that incident. This resulted in banning entry to the inside of tower. However, the architecture of Qutub Minar is equally captivating from outside, making this place worth visiting.Built in the style of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture, Qutub Minar is built with red sandstone. Presenting a perfect example of architectural excellence, it stands at a majestically. The Qutub Minar height is 72.5 meters and there are 379 steps to reach its top. The minaret is around 47 feet wide at the base while at the top it is around 9 feet. It is consisted of 5 towers, with each tower showcasing a different design. The difference in architectural style is mainly because of the changing in the rulers over the course of its construction.Not only the style, even the materials used for building various storeys of Qutub Minar Delhi also vary from the Qutab-ud-din Aibak to the time of Firoz Shah Tughlak.Built with red sandstone, its storeys have intricate carvings and inscriptions from Holy Quran, while balconies have been ornamented and supported by exquisitely decorated brackets. The base of storeys differs from each other. For instance, the base of first storey is angular and circular grooves while the base of second storey is round in shape and on third storey you will see angular fluting.Qutub Minar also boasts of being taller than many popular buildings in the world such as Tower of Pisa, Great Pagoda in China, etc.

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