Qutub Minar, Delhi

In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din Aibak raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. However, only the first story was completed by Qutub-ud-din. The other stories were built by his successor and son-in-law, IItumish (1211-36 AD). The two circular stories in white marble were built by Firozshah Tughlaq in 1368, who used marble to face the redstone. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m. Its a red sandstone tower covered with beautiful and striking carvings and is inscribed with verses from the holy Quran. Its projecting balconies with inscriptional decorative bands on different storeys heighten its decorative effect. With a height of 72.5 m and 379 steps, it is the highest stone tower in India, as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark.