The Qutub Minar was constructed mostly with red sandstone and hence it is reddish in color. From the inscriptions and engravings found on the tower it appears that the Qutub Minar was struck by lightning in the years 1326 and 1368. The first accident occurred in the reign of Muhammad Tughluq and the second during Feroze Tughluq.
Originally the minar was built with four storeys but after the repair work was undertaken additional storeys were added to it. Each storey has projecting balconies with decorative bands to add to the overall effect.
There is a myth that the Qutub Minar was built by the Hindu ruler, Prithviraj Chauhan. However, the tower's architecture itself boasts of Islamic origin and is built in true Mughal style.
Although from the Devnagiri scripts found on the surface of this tower it is evident that even Hindu workmen were employed for its construction. Even stones from broken down Hindu temples have been used in the construction so they bear Hindu signs and markings.
A visit to the Qutub Minar is indeed a bewildering experience for anyone who goes there. Large expanses of Delhi can be seen from its upper storeys. It is one of Delhi's finest monuments and is a sight to behold. A tour of Delhi is incomplete without a visit to the Qutub Minar. |
