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

Iron Pillar, Delhi

Iron Pillar at Qutb Complex of Delhi is one of the most interesting structure other than Qutb Minar. This is 7.3 m tall of which one meter is below the ground. It is at the foot 48 cms in diameter and 29 cms tapering at the top. The pillar weighs approximately 6.5 tonnes.

This pillar dates back to 4th century A.D. The pillar is made of 98% of pure iron. In-spite of such high proportion of iron, it is 100% corrosion resistant even after 1600 years. This feat clearly shows great technological achievements of the ancient Indians.

There are Sanskrit inscription in the Brahmi script on the pillar that states it was erected as a flagstaff in honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II. It is not clear how and when the pillar has been moved from Udaygiri to its present location.

Travel Photo Challenge

BlogAdda has organized a ‘Travel Photos Contest’. After a long time I am seeing a contest in my area of interest - travel and photography. So I am glad to participate in this, where I have to post 5 of my best travel photographs as I see it.

The above image is of Jaisalmer Golden Fort taken during the Rajasthan tour. Built in 1156 on the Trikura Hill it is one of the oldest forts that has 99 bastions around its circumference and is protected by three walls. Why the fort is called so, is very much evident when Sun rays fall on the fort. I wanted to capture the fort shining like gold in the night when focused by light and went around the fort to get the best possible view. The shot which was taken with film SLR camera without the support of tripod when developed was truly satisfying.

The above image is of Brhihadeeshwrar Temple in Tanjore taken during the Tamil Nadu tour. This Big Temple was built during the period 985 -1012 A.D. Because of its unique architectural excellence the UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Monument. It was a pleasure to capture the gigantic temple and the big Nandi Mantappa in one frame. The size of the people around the temple gives us an idea of how huge the temple really is.

The above image is of Jog Falls taken during the Karnataka tour. The sight of river Sharavathi taking a leap from a height of 900 feet is spectacular. It is the highest waterfall in India. When we had visited the place it was the beginning of the rainy season and on the day it rained heavily with low flying clouds. It was a challenge to capture the beautiful waterfall in image because of low flying clouds blocking the view.

The above image is of Qutub Minar taken during the Delhi tour. Measuring 72.5 meters is the world's tallest brick minaret. Construction of this started in 1193 and the topmost story of the minaret was completed in 1386. It is surrounded by various medieval and ancient structures. People will love to capture this monument in various angles along with other ruins surrounding it. This image is one such attempt.

Finally the above is image of Glass House at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens in Bangalore. This beautiful garden of 40 acres is home for various rare plants. It is regarded as one of the best gardens in Eastern part of the World. The glass house when lighted in the night looks more beautiful than during the day time. The shot which was taken with film SLR camera without the support of tripod when developed was truly satisfying.

India is such a wonderful treasure of architecture, nature, and wildlife it is very difficult to choose only 5 images. Each image have their own story to tell. Truly a Picture is worth a thousand words.