Qutb Minar (India)

Qutub Minar is the pride of Delhi. The tall minaret was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later completed by his successor Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. It is the world's tallest brick minaret with a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft).

Traditionally people believe that if anyone standing in front of pillar with his back towards the column can encircle it with their arms, all his wishes will be fulfilled. The Minar contains numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters, which narrate its history.

There are still who say that the Minar was built with the intention of calling all devotees to prayer, and was built as an extension to the Quwwat ul Islam Mosque. There are several that say that it was a watchtower built for the security of the city. There are also a number of theorists that say it was actually the Huindu King Prithwiraj Chauhan, the last king from the Chauhan dynasty, who was responsible for the building. However this theory is easily disprovable, as the architecture is distinctly Arab, with a number of Arab verses of the Koran engraved on the walls of the Minar.

   

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