The Indians pay 50Rs. The complex is massive and very old. From whats left of the buildings, you can tell how they were made. Large stones and boulders made up the interior parts of the walls and finely carved stones with Koranic verses were over-laid to make the walls and archways. The complete complex had several mosques, tombs and graves.It was a Saturday so the complex was loaded with western tour groups and school children. Buses, taxis and tuk-tuks fought for places to drop off passengers. The complex was clean, nicely preserved and everyone was respectful of the grounds. It's hard to believe that you can actually walk within the graves and ruins - it's like one huge artwork. But I guess that if it has lasted centuries in the hands of the Indians, it should stand the test of time.
The Minar is so tall (240ft) and the airplanes landing at the airport were flying so low - it looked like they were going to touch.
I'll try to describe some of the buildings : It's hard to believe, the stonework, inscriptions and carving are really beautiful.
Qutb Minar
The Tallest brick minaret in the world. Called the victory tower - a king defeating another in 1192.
Imam Zamin's Tomb
The inscription on the tomb says that this was a saint from Turkestan who settled in India in
1500. He dies in 1539 and this tomb was built for him. A lot of relics in India has Jalis - perforated stones and lattice screens.Alai Darwaza
Erected in 1311. Gateway to the southern side of the Mosque. The earliest building in India to employ "Islamic Architecture" in it's arched construction and
ornamentation, the first true arches and domes in India.
Iron Pillar
A 4th century pillar considered one of the "world’s foremost metallurgical curiosities". It weighs more than 6 tons. It was moved to this location in the 10th century. 4th century Sanscript is inscribed on it and it was probably like a flag pole. Apparently, no one has any idea how this could have been made at that time.
Iltutmish's Tomb
It probably had a dome. But it was built before the Islamic architecture era in 1235 and the dome had not lasted.
Other photos :
Kids in a school group. Workers doing "something" - repaving ? Building architecture showing the stonework below the inscribed stones.
