Qutab Minar
This structure and its complex, around 15km south of Delhi, is known as Qutab Minar. This tower,
73 meters in height, was started in 1193, and dates the fall of the Hindu rulers of Delhi to the Muslim invaders.
The tower was finished in 1368, and is made of red sandstone and white marble at the top. There is a stairs
leading to the balcony at the top, but I was told that it has been closed for many years, as people would throw
themselves off the top, in hoping to get to heaven by dying at a holy site. The interesting and contorversial apsect of Qutab Minar, as well as many other Muslim and Mughal sites, is that they have been built upon and built with the remains of Hindu temples destroyed by the victors. So this gives one an idea of the sources of animosity between Muslim and Hindu, and a credit to both that there hasn't been more violence, considering the nature of the hurt and insult of having a sacred place destroyed, only to be used by another religion. |
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Standing next to Qutab Minar is the 'Iron Pillar' , which is a Hindu shrine sitting in the courtyard of a Muslim
Mosque. The pillar is inscribed with Sanskrit mantras and sayings. The iron that this pillar is made of is of
such perfect purity that the pillar has not shown any sign of rust for almost 2000 years, which baffles scientists.
It is said that it you encircle the pillar with our hands while standing with your back to it, all your wishes will be fulfilled. I didn't do that, already feeling pretty fortunate. |
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