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NDTV
03-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Qutub Minar Is More Than Just Old And Tall: These 10 Facts Prove It
Delhi wears its history like layers of old perfume - sharp, lingering, and impossible to ignore. From Mahabharata-era legends to Mughal domes and British bungalows, the city is one massive storybook of invasions, art, and empire. But if there is one monument that literally towers above the rest, it is the Qutub Minar. This soaring column in South Delhi is not just an architectural feat - it is a giant sandstone receipt from history saying, "We were here first." Whether you are into ancient architecture, medieval drama, or just want that perfect Instagram shot, Qutub Minar has something for everyone. Let us decode the facts that make this iconic minaret more fascinating than most people realise. 1. Built To Celebrate A Win Qutub Minar was commissioned in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak to mark his win over Delhi's last Hindu ruler. But he only finished the base. Iltutmish, his successor, added three floors, and Firoz Shah Tughlaq built the fifth. The tower reflects several rulers' ambitions over time. Also, standing at 72.5 metres, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world. 2. Not A Place Of Worship The minaret stands in the Qutub complex, which includes one of India's earliest mosques, Quwwat-ul-Islam. However, the tower was never meant for prayer. It was built as a symbol of victory and authority. 3. Built 800 Years Ago, Still Taller Than Most Buildings Standing at 72.5 metres, the Qutub Minar was built over 800 years ago without cranes, concrete, or bulldozers, and it is still standing tall. Name a skyscraper from today that can promise the same. 4. Designed With Two Scripts The Minar's surface is carved with Quranic verses in Arabic. Look closely, and you will also find Nagari script. This mix of scripts shows that the Delhi Sultanate was not only expanding its rule but also blending cultures through its art. 5. The Iron Pillar Nearby Has Not Rusted In 1,600 Years Behind the Minar stands the Iron Pillar of Delhi - a 7-metre-tall column that has refused to rust for over 1,600 years. Most experts say it was put up during Chandragupta II's rule and moved here later. What makes it weirdly impressive is that despite being out in the open for so long, it has barely corroded. Many scientists and historians are still puzzled about how it has lasted so well. It is a reminder that ancient India knew about metalwork long before we had fancy labs. 6. Has 379 Steps You Cannot Climb Anymore Inside the tower is a narrow, winding staircase with 379 steps. Visitors have not been allowed to climb since 1981 after a tragic stampede. Still, those who made it to the top must have been rewarded with impressive views of the Qutub complex and the city beyond. It is easy to imagine how breathtaking it must have been, standing above Delhi's sprawling history. 7. Colour-Coded History The first three floors of the Qutub Minar are made of red sandstone, while the top two are built using a mix of marble and sandstone. This change in materials traces the shift in rulers over time and also gives the tower a gentle shift in colour and texture as it rises. A little detail, but it tells you a lot. 8. Shows Up In Films, Art, Stamps - Basically Everything From film scenes to fashion shoots, Qutub Minar has been Delhi's most photogenic landmark. It has appeared in tourism ads, currency notes, and even Instagram Reels. Simply put, it remains one of India's most recognisable and enduring monuments. 9. Still Hosts Festivals And Cultural Events The Qutub Minar complex is not just a historical site - it is still very much in use. Heritage walks, cultural programmes, and the annual Qutub Festival bring music, dance, and visitors back to the space every year. The monument may be centuries old, but it is still a living, breathing landmark. 10. Built With Purpose. Survived With Stories The Qutub Minar is not just a tourist attraction. It is a legacy of dynasties, design innovation, and Delhi's long-standing relationship with ambition. Even after earthquakes and lightning strikes, it stands, cracked in places, but never broken. A monument that aged, but never faded. Best time to visit Qutub Minar October to March is the best period. The weather is cool, the skies are clear, and walking around the complex is comfortable. November and February are also good months to visit Qutub Minar - fewer tourists and great light for those wide-angle shots. Avoid May to July unless due to extreme hot weather that goes up to 45 degrees. With little shade around, the sun can be unforgiving. Photographer's tip: Visit on weekday mornings to skip the crowds. If you happen to be there during the Qutub Festival in November or December, expect the monument to be lit up and buzzing with cultural performances - perfect for some night photography. Opening hours: Daily, 7 AM to 5 PM How to reach Qutub Minar By Metro: Get off at Qutub Minar Station on the Yellow Line. From there, it is about 1.5 km to the monument - walk or grab an auto or e-rickshaw. By Bus: Several DTC buses stop at the Qutub Minar Bus Stop. From Central Delhi, expect a 30 to 60-minute drive depending on traffic. The complex is easy to find and has parking nearby.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Badaun temple-mosque case: Next hearing fixed for July 5 as debate on maintainability continues
MEERUT A court in Badaun on Wednesday set July 5 to hear the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple-Shamsi Jama Masjid case. The matter, which earlier fell under the jurisdiction of the fast-track court, was transferred to the court of Suman Tiwari, civil judge (senior division) here and hearing was held during the day. The petition was originally filed by Mukesh Patel on behalf of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, alleging that the Shamsi Jama Masjid in the city was constructed over the remnants of a fort that belonged to King Mahipal, and that within its premises stood the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Contradicting this claim, the Jama Masjid Management Committee argued that no such temple ever existed at the site. In recent weeks, the case gained momentum, with the courtroom shifting its focus to the core procedural question: Is this case admissible in court, or not? The upcoming hearing on July 5 is expected to address this legal question in depth. On the previous hearing date, Judge Pushpendra Chaudhary, who had recently taken charge of the fast-track court, had heard preliminary arguments from both sides. However, he deferred further proceedings to allow himself time to examine the case files thoroughly. According to Ved Prakash Sahu, counsel for the Hindu side, the judge will soon determine whether to reopen arguments or proceed from where the previous arguments had left off. The case has seen several procedural delays. Notably, advocates representing the Jama Masjid Committee failed to appear on multiple scheduled dates. Earlier, judge Amit Kumar, then presiding over the FTC, had given the Muslim side a final opportunity and set a hearing for February 11, which was disrupted by a lawyers' strike. The case was later adjourned to March 10, but due to judge Amit Kumar being on leave, it was again deferred to March 20. On that day, Anwar Alam, lawyer for the Jama Masjid Committee, submitted a petition citing a Supreme Court directive that lower courts cannot adjudicate on such matters. This led the additional civil judge (senior division) to assign a new date, April 2. However, further delays ensued when judge Amit Kumar was transferred to Bhadohi district, and it took time for a new judge to assume charge. As a result, another hearing was held on April 21, bringing the case to its current stage. With the legal focus now shifting to the question of jurisdiction and maintainability, all eyes are on the July 5 hearing, which may determine whether the case proceeds to trial or is dismissed at the threshold. As per the petition, in the year 1175, Muslim ruler Shamsuddin Altamash (Iltutmish) converted the temple into the Jama Masjid. The Hindu side submitted a gazetteer written during the British era and a 144-year-old ASI report to the court. On the other hand, the Muslim side claimed that they presented a consolidation document in court, which records the ownership of this land in the name of Jama Masjid.
