Qutub Minar,Delhi..

The construction of the Qutub Minar began in the year 1199 under the supervision of Sultan Qutub-Ud-Din, though he could not complete the structure during his lifetime. Later his son-in-law, Illtumish undertook the completion of this magnificent five-storied minar in Delhi, India.The 72.5 meter high tower is a splendid affair that measures about 14.32 meters in thickness at the base and gradually tapers with height to about a 2.7-meter width at the peak.

The Qutub Minar was damaged twice by lightning in the years 1326 and 1368. The marble structure that was originally set atop the tower was damaged during the first disaster and was replaced by another marble crown designed by an English architect that was however considered inappropriate and was removed in the later years. This marble structure lies on display as an exhibit on the lawns near the Qutub Minar.