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Qutub Meenaar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It was built by Qutubuddeen Aibaq, but could complete only its basement. His successor added three more storeys, and in 1368, Feeroz Shaah Tugalaq constructed the 5th and the last storey. The development in architecture shows the difference from Aibaq' to Tugalaq's period.

The minaret is made of fluted red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Quraan. The Qutub Meenaar is itself built on the ruins of Laal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillikaa, the capital of the Tomars and the Chauhaans, the last Hindu rulers of Delhi.

According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Feeroz Shaah Tugalaq (1351–1388 AD) and Sikandar Lodee (1489–1517 AD). Major R Smith also repaired and restored the minaret in 1829.

The iron pillar of Dehlee, the capital city of India, is one of the world's foremost metallurgical curiosities, standing in the famous Qutub complex.

The minaret is 237.8 ft (72.5m) high, with 399 steps leading to the top. The diameter of the base is 14.3m wide while the top floor is only 2.75m wide.

According to Archaeological Survey of India, this space was housing 20 Jain temples before. Those temples were demolished and their stones were used to build this complex. Many figures of Jain Teerthankars can be seen on many pillars and walls there.

A second tower was also planned to be taller than this but its construction ended when it was 40m tall.
[Wikipedia]

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