qutub minar
Qutub Minar
- Built near Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in 1200 by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak.
- The height of the tower is 238'.
- The tower was originally four storeys high with a domed roof. Renovations have added a storey.
- The tower is entered from the a gateway on the north side which opens out into a spiral staircase.
Storeys
- Each storey has a different pattern in plan.
- First storey- Alternate wedge shaped and round projections
Second storey- Circular projections
Third storey- Star shaped
Fourth storey- Round
Balconies
- Each storey has a balcony around it.
- The balustrade around the balcony originally showed merlons called kanjuras.
- The balconies are supported by stalactite vaulting, represented by clusters of miniature arches with brackets in between, influenced by the tracery of temple ceilings.