Why the
Qutb Minar
is special

This unique, eight-century-old minaret is one of the world's tallest and most artistic.

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Qutb Minar
tips & insights

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Carvings

The Qutb Minar is celebrated for its intricate stone carvings and Koran verse inscriptions, particularly on the projecting balconies that ring each floor.

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Inconsistent design

The five floors are not uniform in design or building material because the minaret was built by three rulers over a 176-year period. Each had a different architectural inspiration.

A Mughal ruler began the project in 1192 but died before the first floor was completed.

His successor successfully finished three floors before succumbing.

Finally, a third ruler topped off the minaret in 1368 with the crowning floor.

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Measurements

The Qutb Minar soars 72 meters (238 feet). Its diameter is 14 meters (47 feet) at the base and 2.7 meters (9 feet) on top.

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Climbing

Visitors are no longer allowed to climb up the spiral stairs (as I once did) because of some unfortunate fatal accidents.

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Qutb complex

The minaret is part of a collection of historic sights including a mosque and the tall and slender 1,600-year-old Iron Pillar.

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How to pronounce

Qutb: kuh-tab

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Qutb Minar photo by Chopr - CC BY 3.0

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