Read Book Online : http://www.archive.org/stream/guidetothequtbde031434mbp#page/n7/mode/2up

Download pdf Book : http://www.archive.org/download/guidetothequtbde031434mbp/guidetothequtbde031434mbp.pdf

Image details : Qutb Minar, Delhi - 1815 Drawing of the Qutb Minar in Delhi. One of the greatest monuments of Islamic architecture in India, the Qutb Minar forms part of the Quwwat al-Islam or 'Might of Islam' complex in Mehrauli in the southern suburbs of modern Delhi. The complex contains some of the earliest structures of Muslim rule in the sub-continent. Standing 72.5 metres tall, the minaret was built as a celebratory victory tower to accompany the congregational mosque. It was probably inspired in style by contemporary Afghan minarets. Inscriptions record that it was begun by Qutub-u'd-din Aibak in 1198 and completed by his successor Iltutmish in 1215, although the two upper tiers were rebuilt at later dates. The dominant material used in construction is sandstone. Four cantilevered balconies separate its five sections. The lower three storeys have broad carved bands of interwoven calligraphy and floral motifs. Source : British Library

Who were the slaves and what made the slaves the rulers? How is Qutb Quwwat al-Islam? It is just a symbol of the power that be at its time?

Shekhar Sathe : I am afraid we have to consult the Wiki here : Mamluk, literally owned, was a soldier of slave origin who had converted to Islam. The phenomenon started in 9th century AD and gradually the Mamluks became a powerful military caste in various Muslim societies. Mamluks held political and military power most notably in Egypt, but also in the Levant, Iraq, and India. In 1206, Muhammad of Ghor died. He had no child, so after his death, his sultanate was divided into many parts by his slaves (mamluk generals). Taj-ud-Din Yildoz became the ruler of Ghazni. Mohammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khilji got Bengal. Nasir-ud-Din Qabacha became the sultan of Multan. Qutub-ud-din-Aybak became the sultan of Delhi, and that was the beginning of the Slave dynasty. Read more : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamluk_dynasty_of_Delhi

Shekhar Sathe : Your second question would be best answered in this book - The History of the Kutb Minar (Delhi) : http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofkutbmin00munsiala#page/n19/mode/2up

since we are on the topic of delhi monuments.. i was wondring if you had any old pictures of connaught place...

I remember an excellent note written by Mr.Asad Ahmad on Kutub Minar in one of the earlier posts on this topic.Wish we could read it again.