Qutb Minar: The Qutb Minar, in a way is the
epitome of the entry of Islamic
culture into India. The area around
Qutb Minar marks the place where the many dynasties of Muslim rule
in India centred from the 12th century till the end of Moghul
dynasty is rule. The Qutb Minar also represents the rich heritage of
Delhi of the bygone era. They also contain the rich and most
impressive ruins of the old city of Delhi. It is about 238 feet tall
and has five stories. Its construction began in the year 1199.
Symbolically it unites the earth and the heavens.
The story of Old Delhi is the story of the seven cities built around
it at the end of the 12th century. In the year 1192 an Afghan
invader Mohammud Ghori led his troops into India defeated and Killed
the last of the Hindu ruler’s then Prithviraj of Tomar dynasty and
returned to Afghanistan. He left his slave behind-Qutubuddin Aibak-as
his Viceroy in India. Qutubuddin Captured Delhi the next year and
celebrated his victory by raising the first Muslim city in Indian
empire. This was called the Qila Rai Pithorai-now known as Qutb
Minar complex. This was built on the ruins of Lal Kot a fort that
had been built by the Tomar Rajputs in the 10th century.
When Mohammad Ghori died in the year 1206 Qutubuddin declared
himself as the Sultan of Delhi and inaugurated the first five Delhi
sultanates that were to rule most part of northern India until the
advent of Moghuls, three centuries later.
