Qutb Minar and its MonumentsDelhi

Brief synthesis

The ensemble of mosquesminarsand other structures in the Qutb Minar complex is an outstanding testimony to the architectural and artistic achievements of Islamic rulers after they first established their power in the Indian subcontinent in the 12th century. The complexlocated at the southern fringe of New Delhiillustrates the new rulers’ aspiration to transform India from Dar-al-Harb to Dar-al-Islam with the introduction of distinctive building types and forms.

Referred to as the Qutb mosquethe Quwwatu’l-Islammeaning the Might of Islamintroduced to India the classic model of Islamic architecture that had developed in western Asia. The mosque constituted a large rectangular courtyard enclosed by arcades having carved pillars on three sides and an imposing five-arched screen marking the west. Incorporating temple elements such as the carved pillars and cladding characteristic of Hindu and Jain templesit was completed by subsequent rulers – Qutb ud din Aibak and Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish. Drawing references from their Ghurid homelandthey constructed a minar (minaret) at the south-eastern corner of the Quwwatu’l-Islam between 1199 and 1503thereby completing the vocabulary of a typical classic Islamic mosque. Built of red and buff sandstone and eloquently carved with inscriptional bandsthe Qutb Minar is the tallest masonry tower in Indiameasuring 72.5 metres highwith projecting balconies for calling all Muadhdhin to prayer. An iron pillar in the courtyard gave the mosque a unique Indian aesthetic.

The 13th-century square tomb of Iltutmish in the north-western part of Quwwatu’l-Islam marks the beginning of the tradition of constructing royal tombsa practice followed as late as the Mughal era in India. The tomb-chamber is profusely carved with inscriptions and geometrical and arabesque patterns associated with Saracenic tradition. Expansions made by Allaudin Khilji to the existing ensemble between 1296 and 1311 reflect the power wielded by the monarch. In his short reignthe emperor added a massive ceremonial gateway (Alai Darwaza) south of the Qutb Minarand also added a madarsa (place of learning). The first storey of the incomplete Alai Minarwhich was envisaged to be twice the scale of the Qutb Minarstands 25 metres high.

Criterion (iv): The religious and funerary buildings in the Qutb Minar complex represent an outstanding example of the architectural and artistic achievements of early Islamic India.

Integrity

The boundary enveloping the remains of the Qutb and Alai minarsQuwwatu’l-Islam mosque with its extensionmadarsa of Alauddin Khiljitomb of IltutmishAlai Darwaza (ceremonial gateway)Iron Pillarand other structures is of adequate size to ensure the complete representation of the features and processes that convey the property’s significanceincluding the aspiration and vision of the Ghurid clans to establish their rule and religion in India. The state of conservation is stable and the property does not suffer from adverse effects of development and/or neglect.

The peripheral area of the property has mixed land usea large tract of green area (Mehrauli Archaeological Park)and facilities to support visitor movement. No threats to the integrity of the property have been identified by the State Party.

Authenticity

The Qutb Minar and its Monuments complex is substantially authentic in terms of its locationforms and designsand materials and substance. The attributes that sustain the Outstanding Universal Value of the property are truthfully and credibly expressedand fully convey the value of the property. To maintain the state of conservation of the propertyrepairs undertaken have respected the original constructionarchitecturaland ornamentation systems that demonstrate the Outstanding Universal Value of the property. Works periodically undertaken to ensure the property’s structural and material sustainability are reversible.

Protection and management requirements

The Qutb Minar and its Monuments complex is owned by the Government of India and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Its peripheral area is managed by multiple stakeholdersincluding the ASIDelhi Development AuthorityMunicipal Corporation of Delhiand Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The overall administration of the property and its peripheral area is governed by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958) and its Rules (1959)Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act (2010)Delhi Municipal Corporation Act (1957)Land Acquisition Act (1894)Delhi Urban Art Commission Act (1973)Urban Land (Sealing and Regulation) Act (1976)Environmental Pollution Control Act (1986)Indian Forest Act (1927)Forest Conservation Act (1980)and Delhi Development Act (1957). Annual funds are provided by the Central Government for the overall conservationmaintenanceand management of the property.

The Qutb Minar and its Monuments complex is maintainedmonitoredand managed by the ASI Acts and Rules through an annual conservation and development plan. To strengthen the plantrainingresearchersand experts are engaged to ensure high-quality conservation that respects the authenticity of the property. Although there is a proposal to prepare a management plan for the property that includes conservationintegrated developmentvisitor managementand interpretationin the meantime the property is protected under a well-established management system.