The Qutb Minar and Quwwat-al-Islam Mosque Museum Complex in Delhi

In 1192 AD Muhammad, Sultan of Ghur in what is now Afghanistan, invaded and conquered much of northern India. To consolidate his victory he had a mosque built in what is now the city of Delhi. The Quwwat-ul-Islam (Might of Islam) Mosque was built from the materials of 27 Hindu temples which Muhammad had demolished. The mosque, measuring 65.2 by 45.4 meters, was completed in 1198.


Construction of the Qubt Minar, the 72.5 meter high minaret next to the mosque, started in 1199 but was not completed until the reign of Firoz Shah Tughluq (AD 1351-88). The minaret was struck several times by lightening and has undergone various repairs and additions throughout the centuries. 379 steps lead to the top of the minaret, but the interior is currently closed to the public.

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The Qubt Minar

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Another view of the Qubt Minar

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The Alai Darwaza, built by Alauddin Khalji, in the early 14th century, next to the Qubt Minar

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The Alai Darwaa

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Carved stone entrance way to theAlai Darwaza

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View from the interior of the Alai Darwaz

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Entranceway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

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Columns lining the interior of the mosque

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Passageway in the mosque

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Columns in the mosque

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Detail of column

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Archway at the entrance of the mosque

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Archway at the entrance of the mosque

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Archway at the entrance of the mosque

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7.2 meter Iron Pillar in the courtyard of the mosque, probably dating to the fourth century AD. The fact that the pillar has never rusted has confounded scientists who have studied its compostion.

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The red sandstone tomb of he tomb of Shamsuddin Iltutmish (1211-36), constructed in 123, located just behind the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

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Details of interior of the tomb of Shamsuddin Iltutmish (1211-36)

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Details of interior of the tomb of Shamsuddin Iltutmish (1211-36)

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Details of interior of the tomb of Shamsuddin Iltutmish (121- 36)

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The casket of Shamsuddin Iltutmish within his tomb

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