Situated at Mehrauli, bacdonce the center of ancient Delhi, the Minar is one of the most remarkable towers in the world. Dominating the colossal ruins of the fort of Prithviraj, the 73 meter tall minar is an architectural marvel.

A soaring tower of early Muslim vintage, the Qutab Minar attracts many visitors from all across the world. Impressively ornate, its construction began in the 12th century and it was completed in the 13th century. Beautiful calligraphy adorns the adjacent edifices. The Minar rises over 230 feet and can be ascended by a circular stairway for a view that is breathtaking. The monument tapers from a 15-meter diameter base to just 2½ meters at the top. 

The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. The Qutab Minar is covered with intricate carvings and deeply inscribed verses from the Koran. 

Work on the minar was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1199, celebrating the advent of Muslim dominance in Delhi, but the construction was completed by his successors. To Qutb-ud-din, the tower marked the eastern extremity of the Islamic faith, casting the shadow of God over east and west. It was also a minaret, from which the muezzin called the devout to prayer. 

Next to Qutab Minar is iron pillar (Victory Pillar) the construction is believed to have been at that age capable of forgoing a bar of iron much larger than any that had been forged in Europe up to a much later date. Historians fix the age of the pillar as over 1,800 years. From an inscription it seems to have been made by King Chandra Barman who ruled during the Gupta period.

Centuries of exposure to various external elements has not rusted the pillar.