Who completed the construction of Qutub Minar?
VerifiedAnswer: Iltutmish
Explanation:
The magnificent Qutub Minar, one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks, was completed by Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. While many students might think that Qutub-ud-Din Aibak built the entire structure, this is only partially correct.
Qutub-ud-Din Aibak began the construction of this towering minaret around 1199 CE, but he could only complete the first floor before his death in 1210 CE. The responsibility of finishing this ambitious project then fell to his successor, Iltutmish, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1211 to 1236 CE.
Iltutmish added three more floors to the structure, bringing it to a total of four stories. The tower showcases beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran inscribed on its walls. Standing at approximately 73 meters tall, it became a symbol of Islamic power and architectural excellence in medieval India.
Interestingly, the story doesn't end with Iltutmish. The top floors of the Qutub Minar were later damaged by lightning and earthquakes. During the 14th century, Firoz Shah Tughlaq added a fifth floor to restore the monument to its former glory. This explains why the upper portion looks slightly different in architectural style compared to the original four floors.
Today, the Qutub Minar stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents the beginning of Muslim rule in India. When you visit this historical monument, remember that you're looking at the combined efforts of multiple rulers, with Iltutmish playing the crucial role in bringing Aibak's vision to completion.
