Qutb Complex, also known as Mehrauli, is probably the oldest region in Delhi that is continuously inhabited. This is where Lal Kot, the oldest fortified city of Delhi lies. The Tomar Rajputs founded it in AD 1060. In AD 1192, the city was invaded by the Turks and this marked the beginning of the Sultanate rule. The Qutb Complex has some of the most important historical monuments in Delhi. If you wish to explore them, you can simply take a Mumbai to Delhi flight and visit the Qutub Complex. Here are the various historical monuments that you can find in this place:
Qila Lal Kot
Anang Pal II, a Rajput Tomar ruler constructed Lal Kot in the mid-11th century. The fortified area was expanded more during the Chauhan rule and it became Qila Rai Pithora. The walls feature a veneer of quartzite blocks supported by rubble. You can find some remains of the brick superstructure and the ruins of bastions and gateways along the walls.
Alai Darwaza
It is regarded as the primary gateway to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque extended by Alauddin Khilji in the early 14th century. Therefore, it should be among the top structures to visit after your Mumbai to Delhi flight ends. The four gateways of the Alai Darwaza form a square and are covered by a huge dome with a central knob. It rests on elaborate arches shaped like horseshoes.
Qutub Minar
This splendid cylindrical tower is among the most iconic monuments of the 13th century. It was built to symbolize the victory of the Turks over the Chauhans. Its architectural style and embellishments feature a combination of West/Central Asian and Indian traditions. The tower is believed to be named after its founder, Qutbuddin Aibak, the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty. Standing nearly 72.5 m from the ground, the minar has a spiral staircase comprising about 379 steps. Built in quartzite, marble, and red sandstone, every storey is encircled by a projected balcony and supported by beautifully carved stone brackets.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
“Quwwat-ul-Islam” means the Might of Islam. The building is named so because it was the first mosque constructed after the Islamic conquest of Delhi at the end of the 12th century. It is the first monument built in the Qutb Complex. More than 27 Hindu-Jain temples were demolished to establish the first set of boundaries. The large stone screen of the mosque is the only remaining Islamic element in it. The screen comprises a central corbelled arch and 2 smaller identical arches on each side. The arch is carved in red sandstone with verses from the Quran written in Arabic calligraphy and exquisite floral works.
There are many other significant monuments that you can find in the Qutb Complex. These include the Iron Pillar, Alai Minar, Alauddin Khalji’s Tomb and Madrasa, Iltutmish’s Tomb, and the Tomb of Imam Zamin. Make sure to explore them all, learn about their history, and click plenty of pictures to take back home on your Delhi to Mumbai flight.