Delhi, the capital city of India, is a treasure trove of history and culture. It is home to some of the most magnificent and iconic monuments that reflect the glorious past and the diverse influences of different dynasties and empires that ruled over the region. Two of the most prominent and popular attractions that showcase the rich heritage and legacy of Delhi are the Red Fort and the Qutub Minar. These two monuments are not only architectural marvels, but also symbols of the power and prestige of the rulers who built them.
The Red Fort: A Symbol of Mughal Grandeur
The Red Fort, also known as the Lal Qila, is a massive fortification that was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It was the residence and the administrative center of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until the British took over in 1857. The Red Fort is named after the red sandstone that was used to construct its walls, which are more than 2 kilometers long and 18 meters high. The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India's independence, as the prime minister of India hoists the national flag and delivers a speech from its ramparts every year on August 15.
The Red Fort has several impressive structures and attractions within its premises, such as the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors), the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), the Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel Palace), the Khas Mahal (Private Palace), the Hammam (Bath), and the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh (Life-Bestowing Garden). Each of these buildings has its own history and significance, and showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and artistry of the Mughal era. The Red Fort also has a museum that displays various artifacts and relics related to the Mughal period, such as paintings, weapons, costumes, coins, and manuscripts.
The Red Fort is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 35 for Indians and Rs. 500 for foreigners. There is also a light and sound show that narrates the history and stories of the Red Fort every evening, in Hindi and English. The timings and charges for the show vary according to the season and the language.
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The Qutub Minar: A Masterpiece of Indo-Islamic Architecture
The Qutub Minar, also spelled as Qutb Minar, is a towering minaret that was built by the Delhi Sultanate rulers in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing at 73 meters high and having a base diameter of 14.3 meters. The Qutub Minar is a part of the Qutub complex, which includes several other monuments and ruins, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, and the Alai Minar. The Qutub Minar is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring intricate carvings and inscriptions.
The Qutub Minar was built to commemorate the victory of the Delhi Sultanate over the Hindu Rajputs, and to serve as a call to prayer for the Muslims. It has five storeys, each with a projecting balcony and a different design. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth storeys are made of marble and sandstone. The Qutub Minar has 379 steps that lead to the top, but the access to the stairs is closed for the public due to safety reasons. The Qutub Minar is adorned with verses from the Quran and floral motifs, and has a cylindrical shaft on the top that holds a red and white flag.
The Qutub complex also has other attractions, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which is the oldest surviving mosque in India, and the Iron Pillar, which is a 7-meter high iron column that has not rusted for over 1600 years. The Alai Minar is an unfinished tower that was intended to be twice the height of the Qutub Minar, but was abandoned after the death of the ruler who started it. The Qutub complex also has several tombs, arches, and pillars that belong to different periods and styles of architecture.
The Qutub complex is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, every day of the week. The entry fee is Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 500 for foreigners. There is also a light and sound show that depicts the history and culture of the Qutub complex every evening, in Hindi and English. The timings and charges for the show vary according to the season and the language.
Delhi is a city that has a lot to offer to the history and culture enthusiasts. The Red Fort and the Qutub Minar are two of the most remarkable and renowned monuments that represent the different phases and influences of Delhi's past. They are also a testament to the skill and creativity of the builders and artists who created them. If you are planning to visit Delhi, make sure to include these two monuments in your itinerary, and enjoy the beauty and splendor of Delhi's history and culture.
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