Qutub Minar Is The Pride of Delhi

Summary

Qutub Minar, a 13th-century historical monument and symbol of Delhi's pride, stands as an architectural marvel influenced by Indo-Islamic culture, but access to its interior has been restricted since a tragic stampede in 1981.

Abstract

The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed over 28 years, beginning in 1193 by Qutubuddin Aibak and completed by Firoz Shah Tughlak. It is one of the tallest towers in India, standing at 238 ft with a base diameter of 14.3 meters and tapering to 2.7 meters at the top. The monument, made of red sandstone and marble, features 379 steps and is adorned with Islamic inscriptions. Once open to visitors, the interior access was closed after a stampede in 1981 resulted in 47 deaths. Despite this, the Qutub Minar remains a subject of pride and photographic interest, particularly when illuminated at dusk.

Opinions

The author has fond memories of visiting the Qutub Minar in their youth and notes the historical and artistic significance of the monument.
The Qutub Minar is described as an architectural marvel, reflecting the Indo-Islamic cultural fusion.
The author expresses a sense of loss and regret regarding the closure of the monument's interior to the public following the tragic accident.
There is an appreciation for the monument's beauty, especially when lit at dusk, which allows for capturing its grandeur in photographs.
The author acknowledges the prompts by Sandi Parsons, Mary Chang, and Vidya Sury for their contributions to the story challenge and the opportunity to share the tale of the Qutub Minar.

A little information about Qutab

Qutub Minar was built in the 13th century in Delhi, India. This is a historic monument and it is the pride of Delhi.

The structure was started by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1193. He built the first floor.

The next ruler Shams-ud-din Iltutmish became the sultan of Delhi. During his rule, three more floors were built.

Firoz Shah Tughlak built the fifth and the last floor in 1368.

The construction took almost 28 years.

Qutub Minar is one of the tallest towers in India.

It is 238 ft tall.

It has a base diameter of 14.3 meters which narrows down to 2.7 meters at the top.

The Qutub Minar is said to have 379 stairs to reach the top of the Minar.

It is made of red sandstone and marble.

Many years ago, when I was much younger, the Qutub Minar was open to visitors. I distinctly remember visiting it from the inside and seeing the Qutub Minar.

The sense of art is clearly historically relevant.

It is an architectural marvel and influenced by the Indo-Islamic culture

On the walls was scribed the Islamic Holy book.

In 1950, the topmost Minar was closed to prevent suicides but we could go up to the first Minar. However, the first Minar was as high as a 10 storied building so people really enjoyed and there was much small talk in circles about their visit to the Qutub.

Although Qutub Minar is the pride of Delhi as it has historical reference, it was closed down due to a very serious and unfortunate accident.

On Friday 4th December 1981, Qutub Minar was full of tourists. When they were trying to enter the tower, there was a lot of pushing from people. They started to climb the Minar but the electricity inside failed and people could not find their way out.

There was a stampede and many people fell down. 47 people inside the Minar died.

Ever since no one has been allowed to go inside but people watch the tall building from outside.

I visited at dusk when it was lit. I was able to get the whole building and the surroundings too in the frame and take a photo.

Thank you Sandi Parsons for the January prompt. Also, wish to thank the editors' Mary Chang Story Writer and Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles for the excellent prompts every month.

Qutub Minar Is The Pride of Delhi

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A little information about Qutab

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