Which is the Tallest Monument in Delhi?
Key Takeaways
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Delhi has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The tallest monument in Delhi is a minaret, and not a tomb or any fort.
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It was built in the 12th–13th century by rulers of the Delhi Sultanate.
The monument is made of red sandstone and has five storeys, each with a projecting balcony.
It is not only Delhi's tallest monument but also the tallest brick minaret in the world.
Public entry inside the tower has been closed since 1981.
Delhi is one of the oldest capital cities in the world. It has been ruled by many powerful empires ranging from the Rajputs and the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughals and the British. Each of them left behind remarkable buildings that still stand today.
The city is home to many iconic monuments such as India Gate, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb and many others and the interesting part is that three of these monuments have been given the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These monuments are not just tourist spots. They are important for students and competitive exam aspirants because questions related to Delhi's monuments come regularly in different examinations conducted all over India.
Among all the monuments in Delhi, one stands out for its sheer height. Let’s learn about the tallest monument in Delhi
Tallest Monument in Delhi
The Qutub Minar, located in Mehrauli, South Delhi, is a red sandstone tower that stands 72.5 metres high. It tapers from a base diameter of 14.32 metres at the bottom to just 2.75 metres at the top.
According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Qutub Minar is the highest tower in India. It is also the tallest minaret in the world built of bricks.
It is located in the Qutub complex and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of South Delhi. The complex includes several other historically significant structures that together tell the story of early Islamic rule in India.
What is the History of Qutub Minar?
Qutb-ud-Din Aibak laid the foundation of the Minar in AD 1199 and built the first storey. Three more storeys were then added by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211–36).
In 1368, Firuz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the top parts. The tower was not built in one go. Different rulers of the Delhi Sultanate contributed to it over many decades, which is why you can see different architectural styles as you look at it from bottom to top.
The Qutub Minar was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1993. The Qutub Minar complex is owned by the Government of India and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Facts About Qutub Minar
Here is a quick fact table for easy revision:
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Fact
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Detail
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Location
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Mehrauli, South Delhi
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Height
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72.5 metres (238 feet)
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Base Diameter
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14.32 metres
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Top Diameter
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2.75 metres
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Number of Storeys
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5
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Material
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Red and buff sandstone; 4th and 5th floors have marble
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Number of Steps
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379
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Built By
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Qutb-ud-Din Aibak (started) and completed by Iltutmish
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Construction Period
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1199 AD – 1220 AD
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UNESCO Status
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World Heritage Site since 1993
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Managed By
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Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
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The Qutub Minar is the tallest monument in Delhi. Built in the early 13th century by the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, it is a powerful symbol of India's medieval history and architectural excellence.