Why the
Qtub Minaret (Minar)
in Delhi is special

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

Qtub Minaret
tips & insights

How to pronounce

Pronouce Qtub as koo-tube

Carvings

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

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.

Measurements

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

Climbing

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

Qtub 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.

Location in India

Qtub Minaret is on
the famous Golden Triangle tour route

to learn about it.

 

Wonders of India - Top 10 rankings
Basic Hindi phrases for travelers
Indian cuisine
Flying to India

World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map
My credentials
About my website and criteria
Reader testimonials

 

Chopr CC BY 3.0

Incredible India

 

World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map
My credentials
About my website and criteria
Reader testimonials