Every city has a symbol.
For Delhi, before Lotus Temple and Rashtrapati Bhavan — there was Qutb Minar. A 72.5-metre-tall red sandstone shout-out to victory, built when Delhi was still learning how to be Delhi. Tall, proud, old, and just a little bit tilted — like a wise old king with stories you need to hear. This isn’t just about one tower.
It’s a whole complex of monuments, each whispering a different chapter from Delhi’s earliest Islamic dynasty — the Mamluks (Slave Dynasty). And trust me — the stories are as solid as the masonry.
The Backstory – Of Conquests, Crowns, and Unfinished Dreams
The year is 1192 CE.
Qutb-ud-din Aibak, general of Muhammad Ghori, defeats Prithviraj Chauhan. Delhi falls to Islamic rule. And how do you say “I won” in the 12th century? You build a giant tower, of course. So Aibak began construction of Qutb Minar, a victory minaret that would also serve as a call to prayer (adhan) for the adjacent mosque.
He died after building just the first storey.
Then came:
• Iltutmish (his son-in-law): added three more storeys
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq: added the fifth storey after lightning damaged the top
• Others: tried to match it, but nothing came close
900+ years later, it still stands — a bit cracked, a bit tilted, but still Delhi’s tallest showoff.
What Makes Qutb Minar So Iconic?
• 72.5 metres high (the tallest brick minaret in the world)
• Tapered: from 14.3 metres at the base to 2.7 metres at the top
• Built with red sandstone and marble bands
• Five storeys, each with a projecting balcony
• Carved with Quranic verses, floral patterns, and calligraphy
The twist?
It looks Islamic, but it borrows heavily from Hindu temple design — especially in its intricate carvings and corbelled arches.
It’s Delhi’s earliest architectural mashup — and it works.
But Wait — It’s Not Just About the Minar
The Qutb Complex is like a messy royal WhatsApp group — full of exes, leftovers, unfinished projects, and that one mysterious friend who doesn’t rust.
Let’s walk through it.
1. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (The Might of Islam)
• Built in 1193 CE by Aibak
• First mosque built in India after Islamic conquest
• Used spolia (i.e., reused materials) from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples
• You’ll see pillars with Hindu motifs and Islamic arches — side by side
It’s beautiful. And yes, a bit controversial.
But also a reminder of the layered, messy, real nature of Indian history.
2. The Iron Pillar
• 7.2 metres tall, weighs over 6 tonnes
• Dates back to 4th century CE, built by Chandragupta II (Gupta dynasty)
• Originally stood elsewhere, brought here later
• Still doesn’t rust after 1,600 years
Legend: If you can hug it with your arms behind your back, your wish will come true.
(PS: They've fenced it now. Probably because of too many wish-huggers.)
3. Alai Darwaza
• Built by Alauddin Khilji in 1311
• Finest example of early Indo-Islamic architecture
• Red sandstone + white marble, with geometric jalis
• The gateway to Khilji’s ambitions — he had big dreams for this complex
4. Alai Minar – The Tower That Never Grew Up
• Alauddin Khilji wanted to build a minar twice as tall as Qutb Minar
• Laid the foundation, built 24 metres... and then he died
• Nobody continued it
Today, it looks like a giant brick stump — a reminder that ambition needs time and cement.
5. Tombs & Side Shrines
• Tomb of Iltutmish – octagonal marvel with marble mihrabs
• Ruins of madrasas (Islamic schools)
• Beautiful carvings everywhere — lotus medallions, arabesques, and even traces of bells and chains from pre-Islamic influences
Best Photo Spots
• From the mosque courtyard, looking up at Qutb with the Iron Pillar in foreground
• Through Alai Darwaza arches, framing the tower
• Side profile of Qutb at golden hour — soft orange light on red stone
• The eerie, unfinished Alai Minar against a cloudy sky — very aesthetic
Where to Eat Nearby
You’re in Mehrauli, South Delhi.
Modern cafés and local legends are just around the corner.
Olive Bar & Kitchen
Near Qutub Minar complex
European food, bougie vibes, perfect for post-heritage chai & cake
Lazeez Affaire
Nearby, Mughlai food done right – biryanis, kebabs, the whole nawabi fantasy
Khan Chacha, SDA Market (Short auto ride)
Rolls, kebabs, chaap — legendary Delhi bites
Or go simple with:
• Chole Kulche stalls
• Aloo Tikki chaat right outside metro station
• Shikanji (lemon soda) for the heat
How to Reach
Location: Mehrauli, South Delhi
By Metro:
• Nearest station: Qutub Minar Metro (Yellow Line)
• 10-minute walk to the entrance
By Cab/Auto:
• Easily accessible from anywhere in Delhi
• Parking available, but limited
Entry Fees & Timings
• Entry: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
• Open: Sunrise to Sunset
• Closed: Never
• Camera: Free (no tripods without permission)
UNESCO World Heritage Info
• Inscribed: 1993
• Why?
“An exceptional example of early Indo-Islamic architecture and the beginning of a major architectural tradition in India.”
Final Thoughts – A Tower That Has Seen It All (And Still Stands Tall)
The Qutb Minar complex is Delhi’s oldest surviving face.
It’s seen:
• Empires rise and fall
• Kings who dreamt big, and fell short
• Foreign invasions and Independence celebrations
And yet, it stands — scarred, glorious, unapologetically tall.
With Nadodigal, you don’t just visit Qutb Minar — you walk beside emperors, stand on centuries, and maybe even whisper to that Iron Pillar, hoping your wish finds its way through time.
