Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, began the Qutub Minar in 1192 as a victory tower after his conquest of Delhi.
His son-in-law and successor Iltutmish completed most of it in 1220; a final storey was rebuilt in the 14th century. At 72.5 metres it remains the tallest brick minaret in the world.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
The Tower
The Minar tapers from 14.3 metres at the base to 2.7 metres at the top. Its red-sandstone shaft is fluted and covered in Quranic calligraphy — some of the earliest examples of Islamic decorative script in India.
A spiral staircase of 379 steps once led to the top; access was closed after a fatal stampede in 1981 and remains closed.
The Iron Pillar
At the base of the Minar stands a 7-metre iron pillar dating from the 4th century — a metallurgical mystery. Cast from 98% wrought iron, it has scarcely rusted in 1,600 years, thanks to a passive protective layer that modern materials scientists still study.
A Sanskrit inscription attributes it to king Chandragupta II. How it came to be here — clearly repurposed from an earlier Hindu site — is a hint at the layered nature of the whole complex.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Adjacent to the Minar is the Quwwat-ul-Islam ("Might of Islam") Mosque — the first mosque built in the subcontinent.
It was assembled by dismantling 27 Hindu and Jain temples and reusing their pillars, whose original carvings — dancers, gods, floral motifs — can still be seen despite being deliberately defaced.
Visiting
The Qutub Minar Complex is in south Delhi, a short auto ride from Qutab Minar metro station. Open all days.
Best visited in late afternoon when the sandstone glows amber. Combine with Mehrauli Archaeological Park next door for tombs of the Slave and Lodi dynasties.