Qutb Minar Complex
The Qutb Minar (named after Qutb-ud-din-Aibak – the first Sultan of Delhi and founder of the Mamluk Dynasty of India) is part symbol of Islamic victory over the “infidels” in India and part minaret to the attached Might of Islam Mosque. Construction started in 1199 and it consists of five stories, the first three built by Qutb and the fourth by his son-in-law Iltutmish. The fifth storey was added at the same time as the tower was being repaired after being damaged by lightning in 1368.
Whilst the Qutb Minar itself clearly draws much of its architectural inspiration from the Muslim world, the Might of Islam Mosque (the earliest surviving in India) is very much a fusion of both Indian and Islamic styles. For me, it’s this clash of cultures and architectural traditions that makes the Qutb Minar complex one of the most fascinating historic monuments that we saw in India. This was helped, in no small way, by the rapidly fading light bathing everything in a sumptuous golden glow and casting dramatic shadows across the stone work……perfect conditions for photography:
© Mark Simms Photography (2014)
Mark Simms Photography 
6 Responses to “Qutb Minar Complex”
Really great!!! The image with the plane is unreal. I love the juxtaposition.
Thanks Laura……yeah got a bit lucky with the plane shot. Took another one after the plane had flown past, but preferred this one because of the whole ancient vs modern vibe 😊
Sometimes it’s a bit of luck with photography. Hard to plan something like that! I do love that vibe. 🙂
wonderful ornate architecture I love them all- the mono and the one with the plane stand out- and how the heck do you pronounce quitb ( q tip?)
Thanks Cyb….it’s sometimes written as Qutub or Qutab if that helps…😊
Interesting history and, as you say, fabulous light!