You know that Indian culture is considered very old. And the oldest book of the world is also considered to be the Rigveda of India, preserving such an incomparable heritage, and when the world is now talking about multiculturalism, India has been living it for centuries. Many invaders came to India, which India liked very much, so they established their power and state here and enjoyed the grandeur and boundless beauty of India. Let’s learn about one such monument that still stands today, representing a part of India’s history, and that is the Qutb Minar.
History
Such a ruler became Qutb’ud-din Aibak, who was the first Muslim ruler to establish his sultanate in Delhi. He laid the foundation of the Qutb Minar, Delhi’s oldest fortified city, Lal Kote, founded by the Tomar Rajputs. This minaret was built in Delhi during the Mughal Sultanate. When Qutub-ud-din Aibak started the work in 1199, only the first level could be completed; that was the time of the beginning of Islam in India. Thus, the successive dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate continued the construction. Then Firuz Shah Tughlaq again got the top part constructed and added a cupola.
Architecture
Qutb Minar is the tallest tower in India, made of red and buff stones. Its diameter is 14.32 m at the base and 2.7 m on the top. The height of the Qutb Minar is 72.5m. It mainly uses Arabic and Nagar styles of architecture. Over time, Qutb-Minar was renovated by various people, such as Sikandar Lodi in AD 1489-1517, Major R. Smith in 1829. If you look at it, its first three levels are made of red stone from Agra, and the next two levels are also clad in white marble. Qutb-Minar also now has small windows open onto the internal stairway. Verses from the Quran can also be seen written on the Qutb-Minar. The Qutub Minar and its surrounding monuments are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlight, due a their historical and cultural importance.
Conclusion
Thus, Qutub Minar stands as an example of India’s imperialism and embracing all cultures, religions, and arts. It is an example of India’s multi-culture. Despite the endurance and courage of India and the society of that time, it was not easy for the people to live under the painful rule of the ruler of that time. However, the power to embrace everyone without attacking anyone has remained in India. Thus, monuments like the Qutb Minar are an example of the history and development of Islamic culture.
Also Read:
- Islamic Center of Rochester (ICR) | Community & Worship Hub
- Masjid I Imam – History, Architecture & More
- Islamic Center of Washington | A Hub for Worship, Community & Culture
- Islamic Association of North Texas | IANT Mosque & Community Center
Rudra
Rudra Vala is a PhD researcher in architecture with academic roots at MSU Baroda and current work at Gujarat University, Ahmedabad.