Qutb Minar

Qutb Minar, built-in 13th century, is one of the rarest architectures of India that have stood the test of time and evolved into taller & taller building. Qutb means victory, built to commemorate the complete triumph of the new Sultanate over indigenous rulers. 

Apart from being a victory tower, it also served the purpose of the tower used to give prayer calls for Quwwatu'l-Islam mosque, which is common at every mosque in the Islamic world. The height of the building and its beauty evolved over the period as succeeding rulers contributed their share in its sky-touching rise. 

The Minar was finished in 3 parts - starting with Qutb-ud-din Aibak's reign (1198 CE), but by the time its base finished, Qutb-ud-din died. Later work undertaken by his successor Shamsu’d-din Iltutmish (1211-1236 CE), added 4 stories to the structure. Later in the 14th century, Minar was stricken by lightning that caused damage to the building. Repairs and addition done by Firoz Shah Tughlaq added a topmost layer to it. 

Qutb Minar is part of the Qutb complex (house to monuments of diversified architectural styles), standing as a symbol of the confluence of different faiths and styles, as the tower itself passed through rulers of different dynasties. Above all, it is an enduring symbol of Delhi itself, as both have stood the test of time & evolved into better & better forms.