Minar is an Arabic word and literally means a tower. In the Islamic world, a mosque always has an accompanying tower, this tower was to facilitate the Muezzin (caretaker of the mosque) as he could go up the tower and could call people and say the ajaan. Qutub Uddin Aibak after conquering Delhi had started constructing a mosque named “Quwwat Ul Islam” meaning the might of Islam. This mosque was made from the debris of Jain and Hindu temple.

Who built the Qutub Minar?

A minaret was attached to the mosque but unfortunately, the sultan king died during the construction. Only the first story was completed during the reign of Aibak. Qutub Uddin Aibak was junior to the Muhammad Ghor(Popularly Known as Muhammad Ghauri) Ghauri defeated the famous ruler of Delhi Prithvi raj Chauhan in the second battle of Tarain. Aibak inscribed verses in praise of his master(Ghauri) on the minaret he was making. The name of the minaret was either inspired by the name of the maker or a Sufi saint Qutubudin Bakhtiar kaki.

What are the Qutub Minar Delhi entry charges?

Note:- All childer up to the age of 15 years are exempted from the fees

Three more stories were added by the successor of Aibak. Shamshuddin Iltutmish. The top two stories were added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1369. A British officer Major Robert Smith tried to replace to a top portion of the Minar with a specially designed cupola.

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This cupola was an eyesore and didn’t really go very well with the flow of architecture of the minaret. Finally in 1848 by the order of lord Harding, this cupola was removed and the originality of the architecture was preserved, this cupola has been parked in the garden area of the Qutub  Minar and is popularly known as the Smith’s folly.

Read More blog:- Red Fort Delhi History Timings

Qutub Minar Facts

Electric strikes earthquake Qutub Minar- In 1369 the top story of the then minaret was destroyed in an electric strike. The then King of Delhi not only repaired the damaged story but added one more story to the structure. The fourth story added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq is done in white marble and the top story is a combination of white marble and red sandstone.  King Sikander Lodhi of Delhi repaired the minaret in 1505 as it was damaged in an earthquake in 1803 again a severe earthquake jolted the Qutub Minar and restoration and repair work was carried by the English in 1825.

The architecture of the Qutub Minar

The minaret is a cylindrical minaret rising 72.5 meters from the bottom. The minaret has spiral stairs inside comprising of 379 steps. No one is allowed to go up the minaret, the respective stories are separated by adjoined balconies. Islam negates the idol worship even representation of any life form is not allowed. The verses of the Quran decorated with floral figures have been inscribed on the outer surface.

Inspiration for the Qutub Minar

The Qutb Minar has been inspired by the minaret of Jam in Afghanistan. The Qutub Minar has a diameter of 14.3 meters (approximately 47 feet)  at the base while the top story reduces to a mere 2.7 meters (9 feet) the first three stories have been constructed using red sandstone while the top two stories also use marble in architecture. The ground three stories depict a design alternate of the conical and round surface. Eloquent carvings of the verses of the Quran interspersed with floral patterns, bells, lotus, flowers decorated the tower. The 72.5-meter high tower is not very straight it tilts a little (65 cm from its base) this little tilt is known to be safe and poses no danger to the longevity of the monument.

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Why Qutub Minar is the icon of Delhi.

Qutub Minar is the iconic structure of Delhi. The Delhi metro rail corporation has photograph of this iconic structure as their brand image, for centuries this building was the tallest structure not only in the city of Delhi but perhaps entire India this amused the people of India and slowly Qutub Minar became the icon of Delhi. The south of Delhi is an upmarket area with fine restaurants and the posh MG Road very well in the vicinity of the Qutub Minar.

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Quwwat Ul Islam Mosque- 

Qutub Ud Din Aibak was a staunch believer of Islam. He was general in the army of Mahmud of Ghaur he was the king who had defeated the Rajput ruler of Delhi Prithvi Raj Chauhan. Aibak being a rigid and staunch believer started construction of a grand mosque. This mosque is amongst the oldest surviving mosque of India. This mosque was made from the debris of 27 Jain temples which existed over here. The pillars have distinct Jain/Hindu architecture details visible.

The architecture of Quwwat Ul Islam Mosque

These pillars are crafted from red sandstone these were plastered with a plaster of lime and mortar, the figures and figurines of Hindu origin were well covered. Indue course of time the plaster gave way and the original carvings became visible. All the pillars have distinct designs and patterns and none of them has been duplicated. The name of the mosque literally means “The might of Islam”. The successor of Aibak also added to the existing structure of the mosque. The arches made by Iltutmish are in reality more affirming to the Islamic style of architecture.

History of Allahi Darwaza

The Allahi Darwaza was made by sultan Allaudin Khilji in 1311, this was conceptualized as a grand gate of entry to the Quwwat Ul Islam mosque, The king wanted to make four gates of this kind but because of the unfortunate death of the King Sultan, only this gate facing southern side could be completed.

The architecture of Allahi Darwaza

The architecture is certainly more Islamic, The gate is square in dimension. The walls are unusually thick(11 feet). The gate has true Islamic arches and the first true Islamic dome on the top. The dome is 14 meters high, The gate is an excellent example of the latticework in red sandstone. Marble has also been used in adorning the gate, the carvings look like being done on wood. The geometric patterns, floral patterns have been used. From inside the room is truly ornate. The carvings look like a fusion of Turkic and Indian designs.

Iron pillar of Mehrauli Complex

In the compound of Quwwat ul Islam mosque stands another marvel an Iron pillar supposed to be crafted in the reign of Chandragupta II who is also known as Vikramaditya(375-414 AD). The amazing fact about this iron pillar is that in all these years out in the open it has sustained the vagaries of weather still there is no effect of the natural phenomenon of rusting on this pillar. The metallurgy and chemical composition of this pillar is amazing. This pillar is 7.21 meters high and the weight is around 6000 kilograms. This pillar was brought to this place by Anangpal Tomar the King of Delhi who had built a grand Vishnu temple at this place, this pillar is a Vishnu dhwaja(Flag pole of Lord Vishnu), before being brought to this place it was a part of the Vishnu temple complex in Udaygir.

Alahi Minar History & Architecture

Sultan Allaudin Khilji the sultan of Delhi renovated the Quwwat Ul Islam mosque. New arches were added to the pr existing mosque. The Sultan decided to make another grand minaret for this huge mosque. This Minar was supposed to be twice the height of the existing Qutub Minar(72.5 meters), The construction started but unfortunately due to the untimely death of the Sultan in 1311 AD the work stopped. The minaret then stood at 28 meters (first story). Today this giant uncomplete minaret is a huge pile of boulders and rubble, this was the core of the new Alahi Minar the outer core of red sandstone was not yet added.

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The red fort in Delhi is located in the old city of Delhi, the fort is situated across the famous Chandni Chowk area of old Delhi , the famous Jama masjid is just a walk of few minutes from the red fort. The palaces of the red fort overlook the ring road of Delhi with the memorials of Indian political stalwarts across the road. This area is the most congested area of Delhi city.

How to reach the Red Fort?

Parking- Being a very congested part of the city it’s good to know that the Red Fort has ample parking space available for all tourist vehicles, from the parking lot you can walk all the way to the Lahori gate or you can ride the electric vehicles available over here for a short ride. Don’t forget to visit a small mosque known as “Sunhari mosque “near the parking lot and southwestern gate of the red fort.

History of Red Fort

Red fort- In year 1638 ACE king Shah Jahan decided to make a fort on the banks of river Yamuna. This fort was completed in year 1648 at a cost of ten million Mughal Rupees. Aurangzeb son of Shahjahan ruled over India from this fort. 18^th Century saw many Mughal kings being crowned and many scandals being hatched over here, In 1739 Nadir shah the Persian emperor looted peacock throne and many more valuable memorabilia from here. In 1752 the Marathas won the red fort, In 1783 the Sikh forces of Baba Baghel Singh Dhaliwal conquered Delhi. British East India gained control of red fort in 1803. After the revolt of 1857 the English again recaptured the red fort and last Mughal Bahadur Shah Zafar II was exiled to Rangoon. In 1947 India became independent nation and the Prime minister unfurls the national flag from the bastion of red fort every year on 15^th August. In 2007 This fort was accorded the status of World heritage monument.

Red Fort Entry Charges  :- The entry tickets of the Red Fort Delhi can be purchased from the ticket counter at the Fort. They can also be bought online from the ASI website.

Entrance gate- There are three gates in the red fort. The common tourists can seek entry through the Lahori Gate. The Lahore Gate is the iconic symbol of free India. Every year the prime minister of India hoists the National flag over here on 15^th August the Independence Day of India. The Delhi gate is used as an entry and exit gate for the VIP persons. The third gate is no more into use. It’s known as the Khijri gate (waterfront gate). Huge wooden gates gilded with bronze guard the Lahori gate. You can sight some bullet marks probably from the war of 1857 on the doors. Very near to the entrance gate, you can buy the entrance tickets to seek entry to the red fort.

Red Fort Timings:- Red Fort Delhi is open to the tourists from sunrise to the sunset. It remains closed on every Monday.

Read More about Agra Fort:- Agra Fort History, Timings FAQ’S

What are the places to visit in the Red Fort?

Meena Bazaar- As you walk across the main entrance gate you are greeted by a colonnade of shops, this was called as “Meena Bazaar” a market for the royal ladies. The royal ladies could go for shopping right inside here in the fort. Just a little distance is the open crossing known as “chatta chowk”, this is the cross way crossing the north-south street. This is also the center point of this market. The Chatta chowk is an octagon in shape its ceiling is missing and it has an open top. The end part of the Meena bazaar is in the shape of a gate with stairs on both sides. A short walk from the Meena bazaar leads you into an open area with Barracks from the British times. These Barracks were constructed during the British rule of India to accommodate the English forces living inside the fort.

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Naubat Khana- The red fort is given the name because of the red-colored sandstone ferried from the quarries of Rajasthan (Dholpur). The same red sandstone has been used to make the Naubat Khana or Nakkar khana this literally means the “Drum house”. The royal bands with drums and music instruments used to welcome the arrival of the royalty entering through the gate. The top floor has been converted into a hall with closed windows, This hall was being used as a museum now the museum has been shifted. The entrance facade of the Naubat Khana is in white colour while the exit gate is in red sandstone with multiple alcoves on either side, the carvings are similar to the ones seen in the period buildings of Agra fort and Taj Mahal (Mosque, Mehman Khana and Royal Gate).

                          Rear side of Naubat khana in red sand stone with alcoves.

Deewan E Aam: – Right across the Naubat Khana is the court of public audience known as Deewan E Aam. Nine arches of the Deewan E Aam face the Naubat Khana. This is a single-storied building with four small arched dome structures on four sides. The arches are typical from Shah Jahan era and bear remarkable similarity to the arches of Dewaan E Aam of Agra Fort.

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The common people of the Mughal Empire could approach the Mughal emperor seated on the lofted platform of white marble. This platform has been covered in glass enclosure. It has been regally done in marble inlay of semi-precious stones. The hall is elevated and there are stairs leading to the inner space. The symmetry of this building is astounding; you can feel the symmetry yourself as you get excellent Instagram pictures across the arches. There are two small windows on either side of the royal throne these were supposed to be used by the royal ladies without being noticed by outsiders.

Rang Mahal- Right behind the red sandstone building of Deewan e aam is the Rang Mahal. The conspicuous feature of the Rang Mahal is the “Nahar E Bahistha” Delhi has intense summers so to combat this heat the Mughals made water channels fountains and a shallow water pond right in front of Rang Mahal. Just imagine when these fountains worked and the water flowed through the water channel across the midst of the rang Mahal. What a view it was.

How did the Royal People use to involve in Merrymaking?

The white marble palace was used for merrymaking. Right in front of the palace is a small very well decorated waterfall (abshaar) originating from a water channel flowing through the midst of the palace. One vault of Rang mahal is done in mirrors embedded on the walls known as Sheesh Mahal. The palace is on top of the basement, there is a gate to the basement visible on the left side of the facade. It is rumored that British weapons are still stored in the basement. Adjacent to the Rang Mahal on the left side is an open pavilion. Where the king came up for a public view every day in the morning. This pavilion overlooks the riverside. Book Taj Mahal Tours

Khaas Mahal- The special pavilion of the king opens into the open courtyard this is also made in white marble with multi cusped arches. This is supposed to be the private palace of the emperor. . The name “Khaas” has been used.  It was divided into three respective sections, “Khwaabgaah” was the private place where the emperor slept, “Baithak” where the king had very private meetings and “Tasbeehkhana” a place where the emperor praised the lord and repeated the rosary. The building has rings to tie the tassels of the eloquent silk curtains and “shamiana”( royal canopies).

Where is Yamuna Gate Located?

Underneath the Khaas Mahal is the gate leading to the riverfront so it was called “Yamuna gate” it’s a folklore that the emperor Shah Jahan came into the palace through this gate in 1648 to join the inauguration ceremony, he was showered with gold coins by his crown son “Dara Shikoh” the entire palace was decorated and the celebrations continued for nine days. All the artisans were accordingly rewarded.

Dewan E Khaas– Next to the Khas Mahal is the Deewan e Khas. This is also a white marble building, this was the place where the closed meetings of the king with his ministers were held. The building had a sliver ceiling which was melted during the times Mughals had lost their power. Today the ceiling is a replica of the same in wood.

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What is the famous verse of Firdaus?

On one fine marble screen is written a famous Persian verse “Gar Firdaus Rue Zameen Ast. Hamien Ast Hamien Ast” Meaning if there is heaven on this earth then it’s over here and over here. The marble was excavated from makrana in Rajasthan and extensive “Pietre dura” work can be seen on the walls and the columns. The world-famous “Takhte Taus” or the Peacock throne was once situated in Dewan E Khaas, It was later looted by the Persian emperor Nadir Shah in the late 18^th century. One side of Deewan E Khaas leads into Musamman Burj. This was the place from where King George V and Queen Mary made a public appearance during the Delhi Darbar and coronation ceremony in 1903.

Hammam- The building was used as a bathroom by the royalty. This building is also done in white marble with marble inlay work done on the floor. There are separate avenues for a hot bath and a cold bath. The essence of rose and fresh rose petals was used for the luxury of the royal bath.

Moti Masjid Red Fort – This is the only structure made by Emperor Aurangzeb. He is known to have constructed this mosque from his hard-earned money. He used to see the caps and do the calligraphy work on writing the Quran to earn righteous money.  The mosque is small and made in white marble with an ablution tank for the devotees. The building appears straight and very well-tuned to the geometry of other buildings but the inner confines are angled a little, this was to make sure that devotees bow towards the west (Mecca).

Hayaat Bagh- This is a four-quartered garden very well in tune with the descriptions of the Jannat (Heaven) in the Quran. The garden has been bisected by four streams respectively of Milk, Wine, Water, and honey. Islam originated in Arabia a desert so what else can you imagine about heaven being in a desert. The two marble palaces have been named as “Sawan and  Bhadon” on the basis of the two rainy months of the Indian calendar, In the midst is the red sandstone palace called as “Jafar mahal”.

Baoli– Towards the Salimgarhi fort is a stepped well, It is known to exist over here much before the red fort of today. The stepped well was used as an alternative mode of water supply and was to be used in an emergency of an enemy attack.

Red Fort FAQ’S

Q-  What are the timing of light and sound show in the Red Fort Delhi?
A- Yes there is an excellent sound and light show held in the Red Fort. It is available Hindi and English language every day. The tickets for the this show can be purchased on a first come first serve basis. Following are the timings for this show-

Q- Why there is so much open space in Red Fort Delhi while the royal palaces are not that large.
A- The Mughals came from central Asia and brought their legacy with them. They used to love their “Shamianas” or royal tents. It is known Shahjahan had a royal shamiana whom he was very fond of. This shamiana was epitome in luxury, braided with the most luxurious carpets, the gold thread woven tassels of silk curtains exuded nothing but luxury.

Q- Why did Shah Jahan make Red Fort in Delhi?
A- Shahjahan was the absolute ruler of India, his shifting of capital and making of Red Fort in Delhi sure was not because of any threat perception. Shahjahan loved his wife Mumtaj Mahal and after her death is known to have lost all interest in worldly pleasures. It is said he confined himself to a room for a month and when he made his first public appearance after the confinement. The people could not believe their eyes as the emperor had turned grey in just a month. Agra was the place where the mausoleum of Mumtaj Mahal was being constructed being in Agra constantly reminded him of his irreparable does so to solace himself he started making a new fort in Delhi.

Q- Was the Red Fort Delhi made by the Artisans who worked at  the Taj Mahal?
A- Yes the chief architect was Ustad Ahmad Lahori and in fact, the red fort of Delhi strongly negates the so-called assertion about the amputation of the workers working in the Taj mahal. The same team of masons, stone carvers, cutters engineers worked in the construction of the red fort. The fort bears astonishing architectural similarity between the monuments constructed by Shahjahan at Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal in Agra.It is said that Shahjahan on the auspicious occasion of the inauguration of the red fort gifted these artisans with valuable gifts.

Q- Why the bank of Yamuna was selected for making of Red Fort in Delhi?
A- Mughal right from the times of Babur was very perturbed by the summer heat of the plains of India so to combat this heat they made beautiful gardens , The most important thing for these gardens is the availability of water so most of the Mughal forts and monuments are made on the banks of rivers to facilitate the availability of water.

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1. The Best Season for Delhi tour

The most suitable season for visiting Delhi is from September to April. Thus you avoid the scorching heat of May and June and get rid of being drenched by the torrents of the monsoon months of July and August. The tour plan of Delhi can be hampered with “Wet” and heat strokes. In these unfavorable weather conditions, it is not advisable to travel in the offseason.

2. Must Drink & Eat Hygienically-

You must not drink the Tap water which at times is not so hygienic until this water is purified. If you drink the bottled water of good Brand and avoid the street Junk food you have limited chances of getting unwell. You should also carry bug spray to avoid the pests.

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3. Dress Code in Delhi tour-

Normally there is no dress code while visiting Delhi even though keeping in mind the Indian traditions you should avoid the clothes giving exposure and should dress modestly. This advice suited more to women: Dress a bit modestly when exploring the capital.

4. Delhi Metro a Good option to visit Delhi-

Just to avoid the hassle of the traffic of Delhi you can plan touring by Metro. You get a card of Delhi Metro and get it recharged and it will cost you cheaper and time consuming than the Metro Token.

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5. Toilets-

You do not find the toilets in all places so clean and they lack toilet paper even at the monuments. You are suggested to carry a few rolls of toilet paper in your handbag just to feel Free.

6. What to avoid: –.

A. Touring after Diwali-

Sometime after Diwali celebrations, it gets hazy on account of smog for 2 or 3 days so you should avoid making a plan for Delhi in that time, rather you should start with either Jaipur or Agra or other destinations

B. Taking alcohol or smoking in public places –

Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking in public places as this is not allowed legally and considered a sign of rudeness and bad manners.  

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C. Solo Lady Traveler must avoid –

This is a piece of advice for solo lady travelers not to venture out late in the night and thus make sure your own safety measures. There is also a Women-only taxi service called “Women on wheels” from Azad Foundation. This is a great service for Women.

D. Avoid falling prey to the touts: – If you stay in central Delhi and south Delhi please beware of the touts. 10 Tips for planning One day Delhi Tour package.

07. Where to stay in Delhi-

The prime question the tourist is “Where to Stay in Delhi?” before booking any hotel in Delhi my personal advice is to check the reviews of the hotels on the Trip Advisor. You can also search the Google business reviews of that particular property.

 08. Strictly Forbidden- It is Strictly Forbidden to cause any damage to nature, especially the Gardens, flowers, animals, etc. It is also a crime to involve in the activity of graffiti in the monuments which are under the Archeological Survey of India.

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09. Delhi Places to visit In One Day 

A. Qutub Minar: – It is the world’s tallest tower and the prime attraction of the Delhi tour. It was constructed by the slave dynasty rulers Qutubuddin Aibak and Iltatmish. 10 Tips for planning One day Delhi Tour.

B. Humayun’s Tomb: – This is the second world heritage site after Qutub Minar which must not miss. It is considered to be an inspiration for the iconic Taj Mahal Agra.

C. India Gate: – Like the Gateway of India Mumbai this magnificent Gate was built during the British era in the memory of those brave soldiers who showed extreme courage and sacrificed their lives in the world war.

D. President House: – This was the house of the erstwhile Viceroy of India and is presently the official residence of President of India. You can wander around there and take the Instagram worthy pictures.

E. Jama Masjid: – This is one of India’s biggest Mosques. It is situated in old Delhi. If you are interested in making a walking tour to explore the old heritage of Delhi, you must choose the surroundings of this place.  

F. Red Fort: – This historic monument was built Sahanjahan who build the Taj Mahal in Agra and houses plenty of grand palaces. 10 Tips for planning One day Delhi Tour.

G. Raj Ghat: – This is a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi who is the father of the nation. 10 Tips for planning One day Delhi Tour.

H. Lotus Temple: –This temple is dedicated to the Bahai sect for worship and build in the shape of the Lotus flower. It is located near Qutub Minar.

10. Emergency Numbers

The last tip is very important i.e. emergency numbers: 100 for Police, 101 for the Fire department and 102 for an ambulance.

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