Qutb Minar

The Qutb Minar Tower in Delhi. Built in the early 13th century and named after Sultan Qutb ud Din Aibak, this red sandstone tower is 72 m/236 ft high. The diameter of the tower tapers from 14 m/47 ft at its base to 3 m/9 ft at the peak. It is the tallest free-standing stone structure in India.

Elaborate carving on the Qutb Minar tower in Delhi, India. Built around 1200, the tower has since had additional storeys constructed, and has also been restored on several occasions. The differences in patterns and building materials, and the various inscriptions, are a record of the developments in Indian culture and architecture.

Tower of victory named after Sultan Qutb ud Din Aibak, 17 km/10 mi south of Delhi, India. It was built in about AD 1200 after the Muslim conquest of northwest India. It is 72 m/236 ft high and the summit is reached by 379 internal steps; the tower was also intended to serve as a minaret for the Might of Islam Mosque, built in 1192 after the conquest of Delhi.

The tower is constructed of red sandstone, with some of the upper parts faced in white marble, and is ornately decorated, with fluting and inscriptions.