Qutb Minar - Tower of Power

INTRODUCTION:
Qutub Minar made of red sandstone and beige is one of the highest stone tower in the world. Built in the 13 st century is the magnificent tower in the Indian capital of Delhi. Influenced by the humungous proportions, the tower has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75 m high from a height of 72.5 and 379 steps to the top. An architectural marvel of the Middle Ages, was built to commemorate the victory over the invading armies Muslimsthe local Hindu ruler.

Like most of the monuments built during the Muslim rule in India, Qutb Minar complex in other places of interest like the famous mosque Quwwat-ul-Islam, the Alai Darwaza, the tomb is composed of eminent personalities like the time is Iltutmish, Ala. -ud-din Khilji, Imam Zamin, the iron pillar, and fear, Alai Minar Qutub Minar rival finished etc. Due to its strategic position in the history of India, UNESCO saysis a World Heritage monument.

LOCATION:
During a visit to Qutb Minar complex is a must for tourists who do not understand much of its context. Without doubt one of the most important monuments, symbolizing the continuity of the invading forces of India and mining is inevitable with the advent of Muslim rule in India connected. It 'was built to crush the indigenous population and present. As a symbol visible and powerful energy will play an important center in Indiapolitical psyche.
Even before the arrival of the conquerors, Delhi has a long history. The rest of archaeological sites in Delhi and surrounding areas have found their story recognizable changed since prehistoric times. Despite his wealth seems to have faltered at times, the site appears to be continuously inhabited since ancient times. The main reason for its fame is its collaboration with the Indian epic "Mahabharata" was. According to a widespreadLegends, including the main characters of Krishna and the Pandava hero epic family lived here in the legendary city of Indraprastha. There was a village of the same name, Purana Quila, or close to the Old Fortress of construction of the 20 st century. However, archaeological evidence of the presence of his lawyer to Indraprastha remains uncertain. For the simple demonstration of the mind as a matter of conjecture, which I believe was the land where their god Krishna usuallyFatal. The club is located at the junction Delhi psycho-geography of India.

There are different versions on the creation of Delhi, including the story of a king named Dillu called the place "Dilli" or Delhi. The most accepted version says that its founder was the king Anangpal Tomar. The 'Archaeological evidence suggests that the clan has decided to take the area around 700 AD. Now were out of Suraj Kund in Haryana state meet. In Delhi, the head of the constructionFort (India, of course) called Lal Kot. Lal Kot was the town red, or the Red Fort. In medieval Rajput clans vied for territory and the north-western India, including Ajmer, Sambhar and Delhi is the area that came under the sovereignty of (Chahamana) Chauhan Rajput clans. The king Prithviraj Chauhan ruled Delhi and its surroundings. Given the symbolic importance of Lalkot, Prithviraj extended brand strength of the city andQuila Rai Pithora new coins.

The area includes Quila Rai Pithora Lalkot and was emblematic of an imperial past Hindu. This area was aware of Qutb-ud-din Aibak the general who led the invasion in the name of Mohammad Ghori in Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the Qutub Minar built elected. The construction of these monuments and the presence of the head of the invasion on the fate of Delhi and has been at the center of the political power of this trademark. EverySultan came to Aibak wanted to own this piece of land for political legitimacy. Most of them tried to leave behind sustainable structures is primarily organized in the city, including the last colonial power on the Indian soil, the British. It 'was built in eight cities of Delhi. They are:

(1) and its extension LALKOT Pithora Quila Rai, built by the Rajput kings.
(2) Alauddin Khilji built by SIRI
(3) built by the Tughlaq Ghiyasuddin Tughlaqabad
(4) by Muhammad bin Tughlaq constructed JAHANPANAH
(5) Feroz Shah Kotla Feroz Shah Tughlaq built by
(6) Purana Quila, built by Sher Shah Suri
(7) Mughal Emperor Shah (he was also the builder of the Taj Mahal) built Shahjahanabad
(8) New Delhi, built by the British

The architecture and its associations with power:
Power relations are omnipresent in this world, and the relationship of this nature in all species. The basic objective of a "balance of power" isof a company's ability to influence the behavior of another purchase. When people hunt this force seems to be an overwhelming obligation. The architecture has always been used by political leaders to demonstrate their power and crush the masses reminded about the futility of rebellion against the emperor. The monumental architecture, such as playing with sound knowledge of the plan and space to influence the masses. In ancient times it was one of the most effectiveState control.

The role of architecture in public life throughout history have played both as a tribute to a person or a monument to an institution or ideology, has always been a powerful symbol of wealth, status and power. Castles, cathedrals, pyramids, palaces, buildings actually used in any way to glorify the ideal that animates the time. Visual stimuli always an act of distance and the architecture of sensory involvement requiresPrint strong visual images in the mind of the viewer so that the influence of "strengthening sensory" perception. Perception is a dynamic process is a malleable concept, and is influenced by psychological and physical symbols. Deeply rooted in the tendency to change over time, can be actively influenced the perception of architecture.

The colonial monuments in India indicate the aesthetic preferences of the rule, their hopes and struggles for power and equipmentCulture of a society. The medieval architecture in India serves as a means of constant struggle of a society that has been separated by two opposing forces and religious-cultural: the inhabitants and conquerors. These buildings were the result of a complex primarily motivated by religion, ideology and politics. They were spectacular performances by manipulating the state of visual culture. Monuments remained an important part ofpolitical agenda of many conquerors. As the formal architecture of mosques, tombs, palaces, castles and functional buildings such as bridges, dams, etc. played an important role in unifying the country and its people are changing dynasties. Spectacular buildings served directly and indirectly, the dynasty in power. Works of triumph, as the Qutub Minar built by Victor provide proof of his great military power. Most Muslim leaders had to keep emphasizingtheir commitment to the principles of their religion in order to maintain the loyalty of his soldiers. Religion and politics as related concepts have associations with the authorities is an important reason for the proliferation of mosques in India. The destruction of temples and mosques in their place was a strong support of the governor's devotion to Islam. The analysis of medieval Indian Ocean, including the Qutb Minar complex shows how the organizationThe space and layout of buildings creates a map almost symbolic of Islamic power.

The political context:
Although not in the past, the concept of politics in India, there were several factors, including geographic, cultural, religious and political give a semblance of unity, a common religion. The subcontinent was manager of large and small, which was written under the direction of political boundaries. India was rich, has ahighly fragmented political landscape is not a temptation for foreigners. Many people in the country was Alexander the Great. Most of these invaders sacked and sent back to their country of origin or installed in India at the end loses its distinctive character and with the residents.

It was ambitious Mohammad Ghori in Afghanistan increased, it was a game-changer. Ghori wanted to expand his empire and decided to cross the Hindu Kush Mountains bordering the cutthe Indian subcontinent. His ideas began in 1175 AD. This has met resistance, and has won and lost territory. He captured Multan and then tried to do the same with the region, which is roughly the region of Gujarat today. He failed as Gujarat. In subsequent attacks, captured in the area of ​​Peshawar, Sialkot and built a fortress in 1181 AD. The pebbles of an alliance with the King Jayadev, which allowed him to end the dynasty of GhazniPunjab, Lahore in 1186 AD and use. These successes have fueled the desire for more land Mohammad Ghori. A much higher percentage in India, now seemed a reality Ghori. Its acquisitions have led to the conquest of the country borders warrior king Prithviraj Chauhan-governed. Possession of Prithviraj Rajput clan who ruled the powerful kingdom in northern India more powerful.

Prithvi Raj Chauhan
Prithvi Raj Chauhan (1166-1192 AD) was one of the Chauhan (Chahamana)Dynasty and ruled Delhi and its adjoining areas. His clan has decided to one of the greatest empire, Ajmer, Sambhar Delhi and northern India in the second half of the century, including 12. The Chauhans consolidated his empire by conquering neighboring kingdoms, and the fusion of Rajputs of Bundelkhand Chandela. Chauhan usually contain a lot of northwest India, including contemporary Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Punjab. Prithviraj was probably amost powerful king in Northern India.

Known for his ambition and courage, made his military exploits him a living legend. His boldness and subsequent removal of the marriage Samyuktha Princess, the daughter of Jai Chandra Rathod is the king of Kannauj, the popular novel. His life and his death is celebrated and the epic romance "Prithviraj Raso", written by his colleague and close courtier Chand Bardai. Prithviraj Chauhan was the last independent Hindu kingto sit on the throne of Delhi.

The fight Tarain (1191 and 1192):
After arriving near the areas Prithviraj in 1191, a fortress Mohammad Ghori captured in the region of Batinda. Ghori could not resist the temptation and activates the horn of war with Prithviraj. Faces a difficult opponent in Prithviraj. The army was led by Rajput Govindaraja-vassal of the King. The two armies met in the city is close Taraori Thanesar Tarain or the current state of Haryana is 150 kmnorth of Delhi. In this war, Prithviraj has managed to create a coalition of the dominant contemporary rulers as King Jayadeva Kannauj. Ghori found unexpected resistance and the battle is lost horribly. He said he was seriously wounded and escaped the battlefield with the help of a water carrier.

Ghori was offended and demanded revenge. He had the reputation of a general essay. Until his return to India, which was only known for his defeatMilitary successes. He has more than made up for his shortcomings with his zeal. India should be a point of redemption for him. Despite the humiliating defeat, he returned the following year, 1192, This time, however, the circumstances favor it, and was able to win the fight and was a decisive victory! The second battle of Tarain was crucial for political and military history of India. This was the beginning of the loss of political power of the rulers and their people. The decisive defeatPrithviraj, the aura of a brave hero has had a spiral effect. Having tasted blood, the armies suddenly Ghori, the machines of destruction and victory. The army marched forward and reached almost indisputable in Ajmer. Discouraged by the defeat of their Rajput kingdoms like Saraswati contemporary, Samana, Hansi, fell Kohram offenders without sweating a lot. After these successes, turned their attention to the army Ghurids Delhi has taken. Just over aYear after winning the second battle of Tarain, Mohammad Ghori controlled most of northern and central India, including most of Rajasthan and the Ganges, the Yamuna Doab, the fertile area. Ghori, the Indian lands were made with Delhi as a pivot. Delhi was emerging in political news. The scene added glamor to the ground and began his metamorphosis. This small piece of land has been continuously connected with the concept of power.

Ghori was not "blessed" withHeirs. In medieval times, slaves were an integral part of the life of an emperor. Slaves played a crucial role, including support for their lords cultivate and expand their empires. Given its important role, the slaves were trained in various aspects, including war. Many slaves came to important positions in their abilities on display. Their role in the policy matrix Ghori in its response to the action of a court, he stressed that no heir: "OtherReyes has a son or two, but I have thousands of them (the slaves). Take the heir of my kingdom, and after I (pronounced political discourse after the Friday prayer) to the task of keeping my name on the sermon in my area. After the assassination of Mohammad Ghori, its territory divided among his slaves after his death.

The battle for indigenous territories was led by Major General the power and cruelty of Qutub-ud-Din Ghori Aibak. It 'been aThe king had his slave, and until his assassination in Afghanistan waiting to break free. Once released, said the sovereign possessions Aibak Ghori India and founded the "dormant" or Slave Dynasty of the Mamluk dynasty in 1206 was the first of the dynasty that lasted as "Delhi Sultanate" The implications should be known to be an increase Aibak included in the words of Paul K. Davis, who writes:. "Even if Islam was introduced in India for centuries beforeAfter this battle a Muslim ruled India, especially in northern India until the fall of the Mughal dynasty in 1857. "

The construction of Qutb Minar played an important role in anchoring the rule of Muslim kings in India. Its construction was well planned and symbolizes the state of the invading forces of India. The story of Qutb Minar is inevitable with the advent of imperialism in India politically connected.

MATRIX:
Soldiers Ghori was an areainhabited by people who follow a religion that is anathema to their religious beliefs. It seemed strange in their beliefs, customs and psychological structure. With their king (Prithviraj Chauhan) is dead, and the sudden change of political direction, the chances of winning the new capacity on the basis of the new territory. The atrocities that have guarantees of success that perhaps the barbarians Aibak used the most important tool and has proven that playing with the spirittheir "subjects" of religion.

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Even before officially taking the Sultan laid the foundation of Aibak Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. One of the main reasons for the rapid construction of the intruder was in desperate need of a place of worship prescribed in the new country. The first mosque in New Delhi after the Islamic conquest of India are under construction, is the oldest remaining example of architecture in the subcontinent Ghurids. Built on a raised and pavedPatio, measuring 141 meters x 105 meters, has a simple structure, surrounded by columns of the cloister. The main mosque is decorated with an interior courtyard and exterior, including an exquisite colonnade, the pillars, which are rich, surrounding the inner shaft.

Sounds easy? Read on. The mosque was built on the foundations of the most important temple of Vishnu near Lalkot. The company is decorated pillars and domed temples eentrance mandap rangethroughout the building. 27 Hindu and Jain temples have been destroyed and looted around, get to build the mosque. It 'was built by prisoners of Hindu masons. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Muslim mosque typical Hindu ornamentation.

Soon after the site was chosen for the destruction of the mosque began Aibak. For his tired troops, who had traveled far from home, this destruction has been a symbol of the destruction of the idolsthe Kaaba of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In this way, liked to introduce himself to his soldiers that Ghazi warriors or religious. Aibak also a great testimony of the Aborigines. Its destruction symbolizes the impotence of their sacred to the pagan gods. Invaders iconoclastic tendencies are apparently still on the site, such as sculptures of gods and demigods were disfigured thick pillars. However, in creating a cult of a religiondiametrically different native had made a statement of power, "My God is stronger than yours." The interpretation in contemporary terms, "which was very big propaganda."

Mass of the visible and understandable from their simplistic symbolism, the first Islamic structure in the complex of Qutub "Quwwat-ul-Islam" (which means "power of Islam"), Grand Mosque was a symbol of domination. It 'been for the ability to destroy the intruder horizons familiar and comforting Delhithat sensory deprivation of its people. This was done to break the spirit of the people and therefore reduces the possibility of rebellion. To announce your intentions loud and clear, a clear written in Persian in the East Gate Aibak, "The mosque was commissioned by the parties for the destruction of 27 Hindu and Jain temples built" set-up. Built for lack of time, convenience, or intentionally, the base of the Hindu templeReyes was left intact, creating the illusion of a mosque in the dominant chamber of a temple (the losers). In asymmetric fusion powerful illusion of a religion a religion that incorporates aggressive aggressive intense, but is not complete. This mosque was a symbol of Islamic domination. This association was later sultans and powerful wanted a stake in its symbolism. Age of Shams-ud-din Khilji Alauddin Iltutmish and expanded.

TotalQuwwat-ul-Islam mosque reflects the style and design-din-ka Arhai Jhompra or the mosque of Ajmer in Rajasthan, built by Aibak in the same period, also built by the demolition of the old temple and a Sanskrit school at this site.

Qutb Minar:
In its latest statement, the Minar a symbol of architectural excellence and is known to have no parallel in the world. The establishment of the Qutb Minar was scheduled for the year 1199 the largest stone minaret in the world is clearlyinspired by many other structures in the Islamic world, including the minaret of Jam in Afghanistan. The Qutb Minar has five floors, each with a balcony overhanging the muqarnas console. Qutb Minar was one of the most important "victory lap" in the Islamic world.

The construction of Qutb Minar is located on the mosque began, but its implementation has taken much longer than the mosque. While the history of the buildingQuwwat-ul-Islam mosque for miles around, was the visual effect is the cliff, people who saw it, was influenced by its size and its symbolic importance. Minar was a powerful symbol that could have a mass-visual, as well as the Qutub, an axis or pole of Islam has been placed. It could be seen from afar. It 'been suggested by many scholars that the original purpose of the building, Qutb Minar, mu'azzin (crier) to facilitate calling the faithful to prayer. Since the 'Height of Minar should enter an athletic form and the 379 levels Mu'azzin five times a day.

Aibak only lived to see the completion of the first floor. On three floors were built by his son and successor of Iltutmish. Qutb Minar was the turn of the victory, the victory of the Islamic warriors against the residents of the Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina above who could not cope with the power of their conquerors. The balcony on the second floor of the Minarmu'azzin could be used to call the faithful to prayer. Mu'azzin strong calls believers a good piece heard five times a day and recalls their conquest of the status change.

Includes four original plants Qutb Minar, which consists of red sandstone and beige. When it was damaged on the top floor (fourth) by lightning, Feroz Shah Tughlaq Sultan charge ordered repairs in 1368, replaced the damaged top floor with twoStories of marble (a sort of triumph permanent interest of the structure). So today, the Minar is arrogant, with five floors.

Iron Column:
The iron pillar in the courtyard of the complex Minar. One of the main metallurgical curiosities of the world, with an estimated weight of the hood interior of the column is 646 kg. The main body weighs 5865 kg kg of the column in 6511. It rises to a height of 7.20 m with 93 cm buried in the ground currentLevel. The reason for the fear and the wonder is that, although iron and exposed to the vagaries of nature for over 1000 years, so they are not oxidized, which is an excellent example of the metal tip of the time. Recent research has shown that the metal is that the column is pure iron. Your state has also fueled the myths unrusted. It is estimated that almost the entire column with the poor, his back against the spine may get his wishgranted.

The iron pillar is clearly a Hindu structure. Bearing an inscription in Brahmi characters of propagation of the first century AD research suggests that in the fourth quarter is likely to be moved to another location. Vishnudhvaja estimated (standard of Lord Vishnu) on the hill Vishnupad in memory of a mighty king named Chandra Chandragupta II Vikramaditya likely (375-414 AD) is unknown. Originally built in front of a temple dedicated to Vishnu Udayagiriabout 402 AD, has a deep hold on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably the image of Garuda was fixed on it as usual. There are two stories about them. One story says he was taken to New Delhi Anangpal, the founder of Delhi. Most of the evidence to support this story was taken from the legends. It seems a consensus among researchers has been moved Iltutmish Udayagiri column to its current location around 1233 AD.

THE TOMBIltutmish:
To build his tomb in the physical space is politically important as a great honor and rare. As an opportunity denied to any person other than the sovereign himself, his blood relatives or a spiritual leader. How true consolidator of the Sultanate of Delhi, said the privilege of the right to Iltutmish. The tomb of Iltutmish (AD 1211-1236) was the year 1235. This is a single square of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions,geometric and arabesque in the tradition of the Saracens at the entrance and inside. The central chamber has a 9-m ² and tubes, suggesting the existence of a dome, which collapsed. The white marble cenotaph is placed on a pedestal in the center of the camera. The tomb is richly carved, including the facade and interior walls. The west wall of the tomb has a mihrab decorated with sculptures in marble and rich forms bell and chainBorla, the, lotus diamond emblems, etc.

Grab The Ala-ud-din Khilji:
The hotel is located in the back of the Qutb Minar complex, south-west of Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the grave the remains of a building is in L. The tomb has been dated to 1316 AD. Near it is a madrassa or Islamic seminary, built by him. Khilji was a great conqueror, Sultan of Delhi and the second Khilji dynasty, AD 1296-1316 BC prevailed. The central hall of the palacewhere his tomb is under the open sky has lost its dome. Many colleges and conference rooms are intact and restored since then. This is the first example in India, where a tomb with a madrasa. According to his fame as a conqueror, the style of Ala-ud-Din himself as the second Sikander (Alexander). He was known for a megalomaniac who is an orthodox Muslim. It was natural that takes place only in the Islamic symbol of victory in Hindustan.

ALAIDarwaza:
Alai Darwaza was the southern gate of Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque of Ala-ud-Din Khalji built in 1311, as recorded in the inscriptions. This building with the Islamic principles of construction and decorative arches and domes to true. And 'decorated with red sandstone and white marble inlays, writing entries in naskh, lattice screens and stone shows the remarkable mastery of the Turkish artisanswork. And 'as one of the most important buildings in the construction period of Delhi Sultanate. With its arcades and the cutting edge of the periphery, like lotus buds identified, adds grace Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, which served as input.

ALAI MINAR:
The unfinished tower of Ala-ud-din Khilji Alai Minar Qutub Minar is north. He wanted to compete with the Qutb Minar and its construction plans so that once completed, could doublethe size of the Qutb Minar. Alai Minar is the megalomania of the patron saint of Ala-ud-din Khilji, the clearly understands the symbolic importance of the Qutb Minar. Ala-ud-din Khilji was probably a great conqueror. He expanded his territory in the direction of the southern part of India. We designed a very ambitious program to build upon his return in triumph from the country of the Deccan. He began the construction of Alai Minar, after he had the size of ul-Islam mosque Quwwat doubled. He wanted hisQutb Minar greater in proportion to their mosque for extended twice the tower. After his death the work was abandoned Minar and its back is maintained at a height of 25 m.

Epilogue:
During the rule of Islamic iconoclasm was an integral part of political administration. It 'been done for political purposes, or was the result of intolerance. These acts were powerful political results. Historians have to interpret these measures, taking into account the sensitivitytime. Most of the winners, the Romans destroyed places of worship of their rivals. This does not mean that the ratification of a brutal act, but by the understanding, interpretation that was common in those times this tactic. The idea is to learn to reign in the Middle Ages has been reached and monumental architecture, has played a crucial role in the political matrix.

Thanks To : Sumsung Lcd Tv