---
title: The Qutb Minar
author: Juan Ángel Piqueras
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22160/the-qutb-minar/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-10-06
---

# The Qutb Minar

_Authored by [Juan Ángel Piqueras](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/juanangelpiquer/)_

## Image File

[![The Qutb Minar](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/22160.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/22160.jpg)

## Image Caption

Qutb Minar, photograph by Juan Ángel Piqueras, Mehrauli, South Delhi, Delhi, [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/), 18 August 2026.

The Qutb Minar (also spelled Qutub or Qutab Minar) is the world's tallest brick [minaret](https://www.worldhistory.org/Minaret/), rising to a height of 72.5 meters (238 ft) from a base diameter of 14.3 meters (47 ft) that tapers to just 2.7 meters (9 ft) near the top. Inside, a spiral staircase of 379 steps leads to the upper levels. Construction began in 1199 CE under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, founder of the Delhi Sultanate, and was completed by his successor Iltutmish in the early 13th century CE, with later repairs and additions carried out by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century CE and further restorations in subsequent centuries.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## Bibliography

- [Asher, Catherine. *Delhi's Qutb Complex, the Minar, Mosque and Mehrauli.* Marg Foundation, 2017.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/9383243198/)
- [J A Page & Y D Sharma. *Qutb Minar & Adjoining Monuments.* Archaeological Survey of India, 2002.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/818778007X/)
- Khan, S. N. & Bilal, M. A. "The Architecture plan of Qutb Complex (Delhi) and its Decoration Analysis." *Perennial Journal of History (PJH)*, Vol, 1, No. 1, (2020), pp. 49-68.
- [Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi - UNESCO World Heritage Centre](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/233 "Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi - UNESCO World Heritage Centre"), accessed 16 Sep 2026.

## About the Author

Juan Ángel Piqueras holds a University Master's Degree in Ancient Mediterranean from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Spain) and is an enthusiast of ancient Mediterranean cultures. He currently works as an Automation Quality Leader in Barcelona.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-angel-piqueras-lopez)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Piqueras, J. Á. (2026, October 06). The Qutb Minar. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22160/the-qutb-minar/>
### Chicago
Piqueras, Juan Ángel. "The Qutb Minar." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 06, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22160/the-qutb-minar/>.
### MLA
Piqueras, Juan Ángel. "The Qutb Minar." *World History Encyclopedia*, 06 Oct 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22160/the-qutb-minar/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Juan Ángel Piqueras](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/juanangelpiquer/ "User Page: Juan Ángel Piqueras"), published on 06 October 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright, fair use](https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/). This content is protected by copyright. We believe that this reproduction constitutes fair use because: it is published for non-commercial educational purposes; no public domain copies are available of this material; only a small section of the work is reproduced in inferior quality; and this reproduction will not reduce the market for or value of the original work in any way. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.