QUTB COMPLEX
Once part of Lal Kot, the first urban complex in Delhi built by the Tomar Rajputs, today the Qutb Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses some of the major structures constructed by the Turkish rulers of Delhi, following the victory of Mahmud of Ghazni over Prithviraj Chauhan.
Explore this historic complex with ‘Delhi Walks’, a flagship brand of India City Walks that strives to provide unique, memorable and unparalleled city experiences. Pick and choose from a wide range of offbeat itineraries that aim to help you explore and connect with the plural, multicultural fabric of the city.
Qutb Minar was started by Qutbuddin Aibak, who only saw the construction of the first storey during his lifetime. The spectacular Minar that stands in front of you today is the result of additions made by his successor Iltutmish and later by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. A ‘Delhi Walks’ tour will help you identify the rich amalgamation of Indian and Islamic aesthetics visible in the intricate floral patterns and even bells at some places blending beautifully with verses of the Quran, demonstrating a tale of architectural development from the age of the Turkish sultans to the Tughlaq era.
The Qutb Complex Tour curated by ‘Delhi Walks’ usually begins at the twelfth century Jami Masjid, later called the Quwwat-ul-Islam (‘Might of Islam’), which happens to be the first mosque that was built in Delhi. Founded by Qutbuddin Aibak, the mosque was extended after Aibak’s death by Iltutmish in the year 1230 AD. ‘Delhi Walks’ shall point out the extensions of the western screen wall from either side that reveals a maturity in both design and detailing. The tour also includes a discussion on the colonnades that may have served as temporary shelters while the double storey enclosures along the corners could have been built exclusively for the royalty.
From the first mosque of Delhi, we move to one of the finest example of the early Sultanate style of architecture in India. Elegant proportioned and magnificently decorated, Alai Darwaza was built as the main gateway to the ambitious extension of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in the early fourteenth century. ‘Delhi Walks’ won’t let you miss out on its bulging dome, horse-shoe shaped arches and the beautiful red sandstone and marble dressing. Also noteworthy is the fact theentire gateway except the dome is carved with intricate geometrical patterns and inscriptions in naskh characters. ‘Delhi Walks’ shall also point out the lotus buds on the arches.
At the centre of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, stands the architectural marvel known as the Iron Pillar, a structure that has resisted corrosion through the last 1,600 years. The pillar may originally have been located elsewhere, but a ‘Delhi Walks’ discussion on the Pillar inscription will make it abundantly clear that it was placed on a hill called Vishnupada and may have been shifted to this location during Tomar times.
Join us and traverse the precincts of a heritage complex that takes you through the entire architectural timeline of the Sultanate period in Delhi. India City Walks is a National Award winning brand that was conceptualized with the simple idea of exploring cities across India in an earthy manner.Our unique itineraries enable travelers to connect with the plural, vibrant soul of the city. Our passionate team of city explorers narrate intriguing tales that are interspersed with anecdotes, facts, myths and legends, all of which are bound to intrigue you. We aim to enrich your city experience and give it a holistic touch. Even in the city’s most popular locations, we offer unparalleled and memorable local experiences.
We curate thematic walking tours and develop unique experiential itineraries that enable travelers to explore the quirky, multicultural fabric of Delhi. We aim to make your city experience memorable and holistic.
We strive to exceed your expectations and make our walks even better every time and try our best to make your visit the most memorable one. Delhi is a pulsating modern city with 5,000 years of history that has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires.
Connect with us through email info@indiacitywalks.com or give us a call +91 989 969 2790
