Page 100 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

98  DELHI & THE NOR TH

Mehrauli: The Qutb Complex VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

The Qutb Minar towers over this historic area, where Practical Information
Qutbuddin Aibak laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate Mehrauli, Delhi-Gurgaon Rd.
(see p52). In 1192, he built the Quwwat-ul-Islam (“Might of Open 7am–6pm, 7–9:30pm daily.
Islam”) Mosque and the Qutb Minar to announce the advent & 8 = 0 _ Phoolwalon ki
Sair (early Oct).
of the Muslim sultans. The mosque is a patchwork fusion of
decorative Hindu panels, salvaged from razed temples
around the site, and Islamic domes and arches. Later,
Iltutmish, Alauddin Khilji and Feroze Shah Tughluq added
more structures, heralding a new architectural style.

Qutb Minar
The five-storeyed
Victory Tower started
by Qutbuddin Aibak
was completed by his Iron Pillar
successor, Iltutmish. This 4th-century pillar,
originally made as a
flagstaff in Vishnu’s
honour, is a tribute
to ancient Indian
metallurgy.

Entrance
Carved Panels
Panels carved
with inscriptions
from the Koran
embellish the
gateway.

Alai Darwaza
This gateway to the complex,
erected in 1311 by Alauddin Khilji, is Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
one of the earliest buildings in India Hindu motifs, such as bells and
to employ the Islamic principles of garlands, are clearly visible on
arched construction. the pillars of this mosque.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p694 and pp706–707

098-099_EW_India.indd 98 26/04/17 11:42 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.6)
Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm