Monday, May 7, 2012

Qutb Complex, Delhi

The Qutb complex in Delhi has several important monuments of great interest to one and all. The entire complex was not constructed in one time. The buildings in the complex were built over several years starting from 1192 A.D.

Originally in this place there were several beautiful Jain and Hindu Temples all together 27. They were all destroyed by Islamic fanatic ruler Qutb-ud-din Aibak and reused the materials for the construction of mosque and minar. This can be seen from the Persian inscription still on the inner Eastern gateway.

All the monuments other than temple ruins were built after 1192 A.D. Some of the important monuments here are:
  • Qutb Minar
  • Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque
  • Alai Minar
  • Iron Pillar
  • Tombs of Iltutmish, Alauddin Khilji
  • Jain Temple Ruins

56 comments:

eileeninmd said...

It is a beautiful place, lovely photos, Rajesh!

Carol said...

Gorgeous monuments!

Snap said...

Always nice to see India through your eyes!

momto8 said...

my sons best friend is from Delhi and is going back for the summer..hope he brings us some pictures like yours...so interesting to see!!!

Al said...

That's a shame about the destruction of the original temples, but this mosque and minarets are incredible!

Unknown said...

Being a Sister of Charity of Nazareth Associate I have had several chances to come to India. They have been in mission work there since the 50s but I am getting to old to travel that far now. I so love your photos and stories. I know they are in Mohamar, I think that is how you spell it.
QMM

ellen b. said...

Very interesting architecture!

Vee said...

How awful to have such beautiful treasures destroyed. That arch is a marvel in the second photo to the right.

Cloudia said...

why must faith fight faith to this day?


Warm Aloha from Honolulu
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abhinavr said...

Nice photos and narration.

Travel France Online said...

As usual superb buildings!

Jeevan said...

Interesting fact about the Qutb complex! Excellent shots

Tea said...

The architecture is very beautiful.

Tina´s PicStory said...

beautiful mosaic :)

Sylvia K said...

Beautiful temple and wonderful captures, Rajesh! Hope you have a great week!

Sylvia

Unknown said...

I'm always amazed by the sites, but then you're dealing with a very old culture. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Carver said...

Magnificent place. The tower shot is my favorite.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

The minar is quite spectacular!

Arija said...

What a wonderful post, history and architecture!

Black Jack's Carol said...

The structures are exquisitely beautiful and the history very interesting. I hope to see them for myself, someday, but in the mean time, thank you for the wonderful tour.

Anonymous said...

More wonderful architecture!

Anonymous said...

Nice historical info with photos

thanks

Mary Howell Cromer said...

These are very pretty~

Indrani said...

Terrific shots.

Leovi said...

I like those pictures, wonderful, as always the beauty of art in India.

Anonymous said...

Lovely photos of stunning architecture.

Maude Lynn said...

Lovely shots!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Very sad to read that these ancient temples were destroyed by a fanatic. In every culture and every age, those sorts of people have had no respect for history.

The monuments that were built after are beautiful.

Gattina said...

Beautiful architecture, just another world to me !

anthonynorth said...

Some beautiful temples there.

Liz said...

Great architecture.

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maria said...

Beautiful shots.Happy RT2!

Mine's here.

Roger Owen Green said...

TALL and thin. striking.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Anonymous said...

imagine what it would have taken to have constructed it all in one time


don quixote limerick

Anonymous said...

I hope to see some beautiful temples on my trip to India this summer (moonsoon season there, ack)

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Amazing photos of this wonderful complex, Rajesh. Your post brought back happy memories of our visit there.

Tito Eric said...

Architectural gems they are, indeed! Thanks for sharing.

genie said...

Th4 mosques and minarets are beautiful, but it is still sad that the original temples are destroyed. Still, the carvings are awesome.genie

Sridharan said...

Superb..reminds me of my visit ..!

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

The pink stone is lovely.

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Chubskulit Rose said...

Stunning details!

Eden said...

Wow.. Very impressive buildings. Great shots.

Susie of Arabia said...

There are many businesses here that use the family name Qutub - hmmmm. At any rate, the pics are lovely!

Suzy said...

You took me back to my standard 9 history class. The Qutb Minar is well worth seeing. Thanks for sharing.

my Q is for

JohnJohn said...

wow! great and beautiful place.. very interesting..=_) visiting from 366 BPC

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Pietro Brosio said...

What a beautiful place, Rajesh! Great monuments indeed!

Liz said...

The temple is amazing. Love the intricate artwork.

Thanks for stopping by my SW. :)

Rajesh said...

Thank you all. These structures are sure marvelous. But they were built demolishing the ancient temples that existed before in the place.

Easwar Arumugam said...

Marvelous monuments.

travel ufo said...

nice place

TTT said...

wonderful pics

indu chhibber said...

I did not know it was built on temple ruins.I have been to the very top--it was a great experience.Thanks Rajesh.

The Mukhtiars said...

beautiful

sushmitha said...

Lovely !! Nice capture..

Rajesh said...

Thank you for appreciating this architectural marvel.

My Unfinished Life said...

It is popular and beautiful..and i visit it often..nothing more to say :)

http://www.myunfinishedlife.com