Understanding the Qutub Minar Construction

The Qutub Minar is a famous historical monument located in Delhi, India. Its construction began in the late 12th century and was completed in the early 13th century. The project involved several rulers over different stages.

The question asks specifically about who completed the Qutub Minar. While its foundation was laid by one ruler, its final completion and expansion were carried out by another.

Analyzing the Construction History of Qutub Minar

Let's look at the key figures involved in the construction of the Qutub Minar:

• Qutbuddin Aibak: He was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mamluk dynasty. He initiated the construction of the Qutub Minar around 1192 AD. However, he only managed to complete the first storey before his death.
• Iltutmish: He was the son-in-law and successor of Qutbuddin Aibak. Iltutmish is credited with completing the Qutub Minar by adding three more storeys (the second, third, and fourth storeys) to the structure started by Aibak.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Later, in the 14th century, the top storey of the Qutub Minar was damaged by lightning. Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired the damaged storey and added two new smaller storeys, taking the total height to its present form with five distinct storeys (originally five before later additions).
• Sher Shah Suri: He carried out repairs to the Qutub Minar, but he is not associated with its initial completion.

Examining the Options for Completing Qutub Minar

Let's evaluate the given options based on the historical facts about the Qutub Minar's construction:

• Qutab-ud-Din Bakhtiyar Kaki: He was a Sufi saint in whose honor Qutbuddin Aibak is believed to have named the Qutub Minar. He was not involved in the construction process.
• Nasiruddin Qubacha: He was a ruler of Sindh, contemporary to Iltutmish. He was not involved in the construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
• Iltutmish: As discussed, Iltutmish added the upper storeys and significantly contributed to completing the Qutub Minar structure that Aibak started. He is widely recognized for its completion.
• Qutbuddin Aibak: He started the construction of the Qutub Minar but only completed the first storey. He did not complete the entire structure.

Based on historical records, Iltutmish was the ruler who completed the main structure of the Qutub Minar after it was initiated by Qutbuddin Aibak.

Conclusion on Completing the Qutub Minar

The historical evidence confirms that while Qutbuddin Aibak began the work, it was Iltutmish who completed the substantial part of the Qutub Minar structure, adding the majority of its height.

Therefore, the person who completed the Qutub Minar is Iltutmish.

Revision Table: Key Facts about Qutub Minar

Additional Information: Delhi Sultanate Rulers and Monuments

Understanding the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate is crucial for knowing about monuments like the Qutub Minar. The Mamluk dynasty (also known as the Slave dynasty) was the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, founded by Qutbuddin Aibak.

• Qutbuddin Aibak: Ruled 1206-1210 AD. Started construction of Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.
• Iltutmish: Ruled 1211-1236 AD. Considered the real consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate. Completed the Qutub Minar and built Sultan Ghari tomb.
• Nasiruddin Qubacha: Ruled parts of Sindh and Punjab. Engaged in conflicts with Iltutmish.
• Qutab-ud-Din Bakhtiyar Kaki: A revered Chisti Sufi saint who lived in Delhi during the time of Aibak and Iltutmish.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Ruled 1351-1388 AD. A ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty who undertook significant repairs and construction projects, including those on the Qutub Minar.

The Qutub Minar complex is an important example of Indo-Islamic architecture, showcasing the transition and fusion of architectural styles during the early Delhi Sultanate period.