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NDTV
6 days ago
- 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.
India.com
19-05-2025
- India.com
Top 10 Facts About Delhi That Every Traveler Should Know
The Indian capital town of Delhi presents itself as a lively combination of old heritage ties with contemporary trends alongside cultural traditions. The place serves as India's central spot for politics and management while being recognized for both its cultural multitude and its fast growing development. Know these 10 exceptional elements about Delhi which will capture anyone's interest: 1. Delhi is One of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities in the World Delhi commenced its existence as a city more than 5,000 years ago thereby ranking itself among the most ancient urban settlements worldwide. Archaeologists have found proof that communities thrived here throughout the times of the Indus Valley Civilization. The city of Delhi suffered rule under multiple dynasties starting from the Mauryans through Mughals to the British while each dynasty added its distinct architectural styles to the city culture. 2. It Has Been the Capital of Several Empires History attests that Delhi held the position of capital for seven major dynastic empires. History demonstrates that Delhi has been chaired by multiple empires following each other in succession starting with the Tomaras then the Chauhans followed by the Slave Dynasty and Khilji Dynasty then the Tughlaq Dynasty and Lodi Dynasty leading up to the powerful Mughal Empire. The successive dynasties that ruled Delhi constructed various magnificent architectural marvels such as Qutub Minar alongside Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb. 3. Delhi is Not Just One City – It's Eight Cities Combined Diverse rulers erected their fortified regions to become the landscapes that form modern-day Delhi. The succession of eight cities brings together Indraprastha with both Lal Kot and Siri along with Tughlaqabad, Firozabad, Dinpanah, Shergarh and Shahjahanabad. Through multiple successive conquests Delhi has developed an exclusive character which serves as an essential ground for historical research. 4. The Name 'Delhi' Has Multiple Theories Behind Its Origin Scientific evidence does not confirm the origins of the city name Delhi even though multiple theories about its etymology exist today. According to some historians the city received its name because Raja Dhillu, a Mauryan Period king administered this region. Dehleez found within Hindi and Urdu means threshold or gateway thus representing what serves as the gateway for northern India according to some experts. Research suggests 'dehli' derived from Persian origin where it signifies frontier. 5. Home to Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Inside Delhi exists a pair of indomitable UNESCO World Heritage Sites which include Qutub Minar alongside Red Fort. The Qutub Minar measures 73 meters in height making it the highest brick minaret in existence and Qutb-ud-din Aibak constructed this grand structure in 1199. The Red Fort which Emperor Shah Jahan built during 1638 established itself as the Mughal residence and currently stands as a landmark representing India's freedom movement. 6. Delhi is the Largest Commercial Hub in Northern India The regional economic activities of North India heavily rely on Delhi which strengthens the nation's overall Gross Domestic Product. The area includes headquarters of major corporations in addition to international firms as well as the active markets found in Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place. Research shows that Delhi holds a position within the top global metropolitan cities based on purchasing power parity statistics. 7. A Melting Pot of Cultures and Religions People from every part of India along with international citizens make Delhi into a cultural diversity hub where multiple tongues and traditions unite. Every year Diwali joins Eid along with Christmas and Holi and Durga Puja as festivals which people celebrate with tremendous spirit throughout the city. Delhi displays its secular spirit through its religious monuments which include Akshardham Temple alongside Jama Masjid and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib together with Lotus Temple. 8. Green Spaces Amid Urban Chaos The urban density of this global metropolis does not prevent it from supporting a variety of green recreational areas. Delhi residents together with tourists can find peaceful spaces in the urban confusion at the Ridge Forest and Lodhi Gardens along with Nehru Park and Sanjay Van. The tree-covered streets and park areas throughout Delhi help combat pollution but do not fully eliminate this ongoing environmental issue. 9. Delhi Metro – A Marvel of Modern Engineering The Delhi Metro transformed urban public transport when it began its operations in 2002. The network extends more than 390 kilometers between nine lines while connecting major sites efficiently to minimize traffic problems. Due to its reliable operation combined with low costs and immaculate service the metro ranks as among the world's top transportation networks and ferries huge numbers of users per day. 10. Air Pollution Remains a Major Concern The city of Delhi brings many advantages to its citizens yet it encounters major environmental dangers that primarily manifest through air pollution. The Indian capital of Delhi occupies one of the highest spots on the global pollution list because its population must endure excessive PM2.5 and PM10 particulate pollution from vehicles and industries and neighboring state farmland fires as well as building site activities. The government implements programs to minimize pollution through vehicle restrictions on odd and even days and electric vehicle promotion and forest expansion. Conclusion Delhi exists as a modern city that unites age-old customs with modern development objectives. Through its history as an imperial center Delhi now stands as a busy worldwide city which fascinates people with its sophisticated and amicable qualities. The city presents fresh discoveries through its ancient monuments as well as its efficient metro system and savory street cuisine at Chandni Chowk to its cosmopolitan inhabitants. The sustainable development of Delhi into the future depends on resolving current priority matters such as pollution.
