Hisory of the Minaret
Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate commenced the construction of Qutub Minar in 1199 A.D. It is said that the minar was built with the ruins of 27 Hindu Temples. Qutub-ud-Din Aibak could finish only the basal part of the minaret, rest of the construction work was set afoot by his successor, Iltutmish. The inscriptions on the minaret say that it was repaired by Feroz Shah Tughlaq and later by Sikander Lodi.
The monument was damaged by lightening in 1368 and Feroz Shah Tughlaq repaired and rebuilt damaged storey. In 1505 Qutub Minar was ravaged by earthquake and was repaired by Sikander Lodi. The mending and restoration was further carried on by Major Robert Smith and Lord Haringe and thus the minaret stands mightily til the present day. It is believed by a few that it was erected as victory tower to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India. It is also said that it Muezzins to call the devotees to prayer.