The World Heritage Complex of The Qutub

by R. Balasubramaniam

The World Heritage Complex of the Qutub in New Delhi is home to several magnificent monuments that are classic examples of early Muslim architecture in India. The complete history and engineering of the archaeological structures at this site are explained in the present volume. The history of Delhi and the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture is introduced briefly. The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the famous 1600-year old Gupta-period corrosion resistant Iron Pillar located in its courtyard and the Qutub Minar are discussed in great detail. Other archaeological monuments described include Iltutmish’s Tomb, the Alai Darwaza and Allaudin’s Madrassa. The Lal Kot area is elaborated in the final section.

Fascinating historical anecdotes and stories related to the complex are presented. All archaeological excavations at this site are reviewed to highlight significant finds. Profusely illustrated with maps, line drawings and photographs, the book embodies the latest researches on the subject and will fascinate not only the scholar and serious student but also the lay reader.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Evolution of Indo-Muslim Architecture
• History of Delhi
• Quwwat-Ul-Islam-Mosque
• Introduction
• Historical Anecdotes
• Structural Features
• Hindu Elements in Mosque
• Screened Arches
• Iltutmish’s Extensions (Screened Arches / Cloistered Courts)
• Allaudin Khilji’s Extensions (Screened Arches / Cloistered Courts)
• Iron Pillar
• History (Inscription / Chandra is Chandragupta II Vikramaditya / Vishnupadagiri is Udayagiri / Astronomical Significance / Movement to Delhi)
• Engineering Design
• Iron (Composition / Microstructure)
• Manufacturing Methodology
• Corrosion Resistance (Review of Corrosion Resistance Theories / Rust Characterization / Protective Passive Film Mechanism / Protective Passive Film Properties)
• Qutub Minar
• Name
• Origin (Hindu Origin / Muslim Origin)
• Purpose
• Construction History (Repairs / Construction by Firuz Shah Tugluq / Chattri Atop Minar)
• Engineering Design (Dimentions / Balcony Design / Materials of Construction / Foundation)
• Engineers of the Monuments
• Other Monuments
• Iltutmish Tomb
• Alai Darwaza
• Alai Minar
• Allaudin Khilji’s Madrassa
• Minor Monuments (Tomb of Imam Zamin / Mughal Serai / Tomb of Quli Khan / Jog Maya Temple / Sanderson’s Sundial)
• Non-existent Monuments (Kaser Safed / Other Palaces)
• Lal Kot
• City
• Qila Rai Pithora
• Fortification
• Historical Stories
• Appendices
• Inscriptions
• Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
• Iron Pillar
• Qutub Minar
• Alai Darwaza
• Tomb of Imam Zamin
• Select Bibliography. 

About the Author:

Professor R. Balasubramaniam has vast experience in teaching corrosion and research activities related to materials – hydrogen interactions, corrosion, oxidation and failure analysis. After graduating in metallurgical engineering from the Banaras Hindu University in 1984 with a gold medal, he completed his PhD in materials engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA in 1990. He has, since then, been teaching and conducting research at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering.

He is the author of more than 120 technical papers in international and national scientific engineering journals. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards like the BHU University Gold Medal (1984), BHU Ghandhy Gold Medal (1984), Indian Institute of Metals Vishwa Bharathi Award (1984), Indian National Science Academy Young Scientist Award (1993), Humboldt Fellowship from the German Government (1996), Materials Research Society of India Medal (1999) and Metallurgist of the Year (1999) awarded by the Government of India.