Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
Built in the early 13th century a few kilometres south of
Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering
from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, and
alternating angular and rounded flutings. The surrounding archaeological
area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza
Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two
mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest in northern India,
built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples.