Qutab Minar, the soaring tower of the brick tiled magic has become synonymous with the colonial capital of Delhi. The word `Qutab Miner` means `axis minaret`. It is a unique example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. This 237.8 feet statuesque nestles in the southern part of Delhi and is surrounded by a lush green manicured garden. This construction was acknowledged as a hereditary raison d`etre by the Slave Dynasty, as it was built through the reign of several rulers. Today, this ornate structure is an eminent member of the world Heritage Society. It leans 60 cm off the vertical but otherwise it has survived the ravages of time impressively.

Qutab Minar, the five-storied structure, each of which marked by a projecting balcony, was built in three stages. Qutab-ud-Din Ibak started the Minar and completed the first storey. Second, third and the fourth stories were completed by his successor and son-in -law, Illtutmish in 1230 AD. The minar was first struck by lightening in 1368 AD and the fallen top storey was replaced by two stories. The fourth and the fifth were constructed in 1370 AD by Feroz Shah Tughlaq (1351-88 AD).

The Qutab Minar is the highest stone tower in India with a height of 72.5 metre or 239 feet and a diameter of 14.32 metres at the base and about 2.75 metres at the top. The first three stories are made of red sandstone and are heavily indented with different styles of grooves, alternately round and angular on the bottom floor; round on the second and angular on the third story. The fourth and fifth floors are made of marble and sandstone.

The decoration and carvings of Qutab Minar is basically Islamic but somewhat hybrid style was visible in the later additions of Firoz Shah. Arabic and Nagari types inscriptions are found as wide encircling bands in the plain fluted masonry of the Minar. These inscriptions reveal the history of Qutab, from its commencement in 1199 AD to its repetitive repair-works.

There is a door in the northern side of the minar leading to a spiral staircase with 379 steps that winds its way upto the balcony in each floor and culminates in a platform at the top. The intricate balconies held together by `stalactite vaulting technique` and honeycombing pattern is a special feature of the minar.