Qutub Minar Complex: Symbol of Indo-Islamic Afghan Architecture

The Qutub Minar Complex in South Delhi showcases the convergence of multiple layers of political, religious, and cultural history. This architectural complex that dates back to the early 13th century has tombs, magnificent screens, and beautiful gateways. The Qutub Minar monument has already gone through many transformations over the centuries but the actual vision of the builders remains clear. The intricate carvings of the Qutub Minar Complex depict the blending of the Afghan and the local architectural styles. Since its construction, this architectural complex has undergone many transformations but it maintained its original charm. 

Different structures in the Qutub Minar Complex

The Qutub Complex houses different historical monuments and one of the most famous ones is the Qutub Minar. At the center of this complex, there is a mosque that is named Qutub Mosque. This early 13th Century mosque plays an important role in understanding the early period of the Delhi Sultanate. The Qutub Complex Plan was given shape in phases during the rules of different rules in Delhi. The different structures within this complex are-

• The iron pillar
• The Qutub Mosque
• The Qutub Minar
• The Tomb of Iltutmish
• The Alai Darwaza
• The Alai Minar

History of the Qutub Minar Complex

Qutubuddin Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. The construction of Qutub Minar started in 1199 during the reign of Qutubuddin Aibak as a symbol of victory and the establishment of Muslim rule in India. Another 3 stories of this structure were completed in 1220 by Qutubuddin Aibak’s son-in-law Shamsuddin Iltutmish. 

The final construction of the Qutub Minar

The top storey of this architectural marvel was destroyed by lighting in 1369 so the then ruler Firoz Shah Tughlaq replaced the damaged floor and built another storey of Qutub Minar. An entrance to the Qutub Minar was constructed during the rule of Sher Shah Suri. The Qutub Mosque or Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was also established when the construction of the monument started. 

The architecture of the Qutub Minar Complex

The Qutub Mosque within the Qutub Minar Complex is not only the oldest in Delhi but is also an example of Islamic architectural style in India. The Qutub Minar is a tower made up of five superposed stories. The lowest three stories have cylindrical columns made up of red sandstone. Each storey has a balcony.  The cylindrical columns or shafts are separated by flanges. The flanges are constructed with dark red sandstone and have decorative elements and texts from the Quran engraved on them. There are 379 steps in this tower. The 4th and 6th stories of the tower are built with sandstone and marble stone. 

Inscriptions 

The Qutub Minar, the monument from the early 13th century, has inscriptions all over it. Some of these inscriptions are destroyed and many of the remaining inscriptions are not legible. The doorway of the Qutub Mosque is arched and it is the first instance of Indo-Saracenic architecture. There is a plaque that is built under the arched gateway which has inscriptions written in angular Arabic fonts. It is a Kufic Script that gets its name from Kufa, a place in Southern Iraq. The Qutub complex has inscriptions all over which are written in Arabic and are mainly the verses from Quran, historical events, or eulogies written for the kinds. There is a conical dome at the top of the doorway of the Qutub Minar. 

Screen in the Qutub Minar Complex

There are lofty screens within the complex that are profusely decorated. These screens are decorated with images of flowers and plants. The images must have been chosen to maintain a sense of devotion and purity. There are calligraphic bands that encircle the plain exteriors of the Qutub Minar Tower. 

The Alai Minar

The construction of the Alai Minar was started by Ala al-Din and was supposed to be taller than the Qutub Minar. This tower remains unfinished and is only 89-feet high from the base. 

The Alai Darwaza

Domed gateways were built by Ala al-Din Khalji who ruled Delhi in the 14th century. This gateway, named Alai Darwaza is a square structure that has a tall base made with red sandstone. The walls are ornamented using white marble and red sandstones. The arches of this doorway have a horseshoe shape and the doorway has a doe that rests on the squinches and arches. The architecture of the Alai Darwaza depicts contemporary Islamic architectural style. 

Conclusion

The Qutub Minar Complex, an array of historical monuments dating back centuries, is now a popular tourist attraction. One of the main attractions of this complex is the Qutub  Minar, an early 13th century monument. The monument that was built as a sign of victory is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has become the crown jewel of Indo-Islamic Afghan Structure in the entire subcontinent. No matter who ruled the country in different centuries, the unique charm of the Qutub Minar Complex has been retained over the centuries.