Long and Short Essay on Qutub Minar
A student of any class is supposed to learn a lot about India as well as its heritage. It is the culture of our country that makes it stand out from other countries for generations. While the students are taught about such things a lot, it is usually the great architecture that takes precedence above all else. And hence, Qutub Minar usually makes the cut.
The stone tower is a great example of architecture. It is considered to be one of the best places to visit for school trips, for a visit with the whole family, and much more. While many people may only look at it as part of Indian architecture, or even just a building, there are a lot of things that one can find a mention of Qutub Minar in.
There is a good chance that students of all the schools in India will have to prepare an essay some or the other time during their school life. Essays are very much comprehensive and make way for a better understanding of any topic that a student is preparing for.
That being said, when it comes to preparing an essay on a topic such as the one for Qutub Minar in English, the students need a good reference that can help them.
Qutub Minar is the tower of victory. Its erection started in the year 1199 under the supervision of Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The entire minaret was completed by the contemporary rulers of Delhi. This Qutub Minar essay will tell us about its history and facts. The long and short essay on Qutub Minar in English is written in a simple format for the school students. Study it and write a short note on Qutub Minar easily.
Long Essay on Qutub Minar
One of the fascinating tourist spots in Delhi is Qutub Minar. With a height of 72.5 m, this is the tallest minaret constructed using bricks in the world. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This minaret is considered to be the epitome of victory. Qutub-Ud-In Aibak, a deputy employed by Muhammad of Ghor, started establishing this minaret in Delhi as a memoir of victory. It is considered as the sign of the Delhi Sultanate.
The architecture of Qutub Minar was inspired by the construction of the Minaret of Jam. It is 62 meters tall and was constructed in the year 1190. The architect of Qutub Minar is Varahamihira, a Hindu by birth. This is why the architectural aspect of this minaret has both Indo-Islamic and Afghan styles conglomerated to form a unique design. The tower slowly tapers at the top and has 379 spiraling steps.
It has five stories built in different timelines and represents different historical events. The base diameter is 14.32 meters whereas the top diameter is 2.75 meters. There are beautiful balconies projecting from each storey making it a unique minaret. Due to its immense historical significance, it is counted as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in India. India’s first mosque named Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid was constructed on the northeastern side of this minaret in 1198.
Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the emperor of the Ghurid Dynasty, started building this minaret after defeating the last Hindu king of Delhi, Prithviraj Chauhan. His victory earmarked the beginning of the rules of Muslim emperors in India. He built the first base and was used for prayer summons. He was unable to complete more than one level. Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish, the successor of Aibak and his son-in-law constructed three more levels under his supervision.
The tower was made of marble and red sandstone. Its unique red color represents the texture of red sandstones used. After almost 169 years, the contemporary Delhi Sultan named Firoz Shah Tughlak renovated the lighting-hit tower and added two more stories. He also added a dome or cupola at the top and ended the construction. These stories were made of marble and white sandstone. The difference in color is quite significant in this tower.
This dome is not visible today as an earthquake shook the minaret and suffered a fall. In the British era, Major R. Smith, one of the Royal Engineers of the British Empire, restored the top portion with a ‘Chhatri’, a Bengali-style architecture, in the year 1823. This top portion is still visible above the 5th storey.
The significance of this minaret in Indian history is remarkable. It has a long history of construction and restoration were done by so many rulers of India. It is also an example of the diverse Indian culture originating from several dynasties. The perfect mix has created a heritage that all the countries in the world admire.
Small Qutub Minar Essay - Short Paragraph on Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest minaret made of brick. Its height is 72.5 meters and its construction was initiated by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. The minaret was built following the architecture of the Minaret of jam located in Afghanistan. The construction started in 1199 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was completed by Ittutimish in 1220. It is considered as the symbol of victory as it earmarked the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate in India. Aibak was unable to complete the minaret.
Iltutmish, the successor of Aibak, and his son-in-law constructed three more levels under his supervision. After 169 years, the rest of the tower’s levels were constructed by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It had a beautiful dome above the 5th floor. It got devastated due to an earthquake. Later, the British Engineer, Major R. Smith designed a Bengali cupola or ‘Chhatri’ and restored its glory. In this paragraph on Qutub Minar, you can see how so many cultures shared their knowledge of architecture to build this minaret. This is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world witness the magical conglomeration of Afghan and Indo-Islamic architecture. This minaret has a distinct red tinge from the red sandstone in the first three levels and a white tinge in the rest of the levels.
Qutub Minar is one of the oldest minarets in the world. It is the symbol of our diverse culture and heritage evolved from several dynasties of the historical era.
Summary
A few lines about Qutub Minar scribed in the form of a long and small essay describe India’s historical heritage and culture. This monument is the ultimate example of architecture and master craftsmanship. It is a very popular tourist site in India and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
FAQs on Qutub Minar Essay: The Historical Significance of the Qutub Minar
1. Why was the Qutub Minar originally built?
The Qutub Minar was constructed primarily as a victory tower, symbolizing the beginning of Muslim rule in India by Qutub-ud-din Aibak. It marked his initial steps as a ruler in the Indian subcontinent after the defeat of Raja Prithviraj Chauhan.
2. Who completed the different stages of the Qutub Minar's construction?
The construction of the Qutub Minar was a multi-stage process involving several rulers. Qutub-ud-din Aibak initiated the construction, completing only the basement. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more stories. Later, Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired damage from lightning and added the fifth and final story, completing the magnificent structure.
3. What makes the Qutub Minar historically significant?
The Qutub Minar holds immense historical significance as it stands as a prominent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is a symbol of the shift in power during the Delhi Sultanate period and showcases the architectural prowess of that era. Its intricate carvings, inscriptions, and towering presence tell stories of medieval India, making it a crucial historical landmark.
4. Where is the Qutub Minar located?
The Qutub Minar is majestically located in Mehrauli, South Delhi, India. It is part of the larger Qutub Complex, which includes several other important historical structures.
5. What are the unique architectural elements of the Qutub Minar complex?
The Qutub Minar complex showcases several unique architectural features:
- The Minar itself features a tapering cylindrical shaft with fluted and angular sections, adorned with intricate Arabic inscriptions.
- The nearby Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is one of the earliest mosques built in India, using materials from demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
- The famous Iron Pillar, known for its rust-resistant composition, stands within the complex, dating back to the 4th century CE.
- Other structures include the Alai Darwaza, a grand gateway, and the ruins of Alai Minar, an ambitious but unfinished tower.
6. Why is the Qutub Minar recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Qutub Minar and its monuments were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their outstanding universal value as a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art. They represent a significant stage in the development of architectural styles in India, showcasing a blend of indigenous and Islamic design elements and reflecting the cultural exchange of the period.
7. How has the Qutub Minar withstood the test of time and natural elements?
Despite being built centuries ago, the Qutub Minar has largely withstood the test of time thanks to its robust construction primarily using red sandstone and marble. Over the years, various measures, including regular conservation and restoration efforts by archaeological authorities, have been undertaken to protect it from natural elements like lightning and earthquakes, ensuring its long-term preservation.
8. What is the significance of the Iron Pillar within the Qutub Minar complex?
The Iron Pillar is a metallurgical marvel, notable for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, despite being over 1,600 years old. It predates the Qutub Minar and was likely brought to the complex later. Its presence highlights ancient Indian scientific advancements and serves as a testament to the diverse historical layers present within the Qutub Complex, blending different eras of Indian history.
