Qutb Minar

The oldest monument in Delhi built by Qutb-ub-din Aibak in 1196 AD. It was a six-storeyed tower with a beautiful dome at the top. There are 379 steps to reach the top. The Minar was at a height of 91 metres when built but, now it is only 73.5 metres due to the damage caused by lightning. It was a victory monument to the Islam dynasty. The Minar was made up of sandstone except the top floor which is in white marble. The diameter of 14.3 metres at the base decreases towards the top to reach 2.7 metres. Beautiful inscriptions of verses from the Quran can be seen at the interious of the minar. The brilliance of western sculpture attracts a number of tourists to Qutb Minar.