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Ghazal Khan pays a tribute to the classic and timeless
Qutub Minar, on the eve of the annual Qutub Festival held here...
The Qutub Minar is one of the most celebrated monuments of the country.
Located at the south of Delhi City, it is a five storeyed, red
sandstone tower with a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m
on the top. Standing at a height of 76.2m (250ft), the Qutub Minar is
supposed to be the tallest freestanding stone tower in the world (others
being a part of bridges or buildlings).
The foundation of the Qutub Minar was laid by the Afghan invader, Qutub-ud-Din
Aibak in 1199 AD as a mark of his conquest of Northern India. The two
storeyed structure was a part of the palace complex he erected, along
with a mosque in the premises. So, probably the tower was meant for the
muezzin (the priest), to give the azaan (call) for prayers. It is also
said that the minar was designed ‘to cast the shadow of God over the east
and the west’ as the imposing structure casts a long and impressive shadow
at sunrise and sunset. Later in 1211-36AD, three more storeys were added
to it by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu`d-Din ‘lltumish. The structure
was then repaired by Feroz Shah Tughlaq (1351-88 AD)and again by Sikandar
Lodi (1489-1517 AD). With time, the Minar served as an excellent watchtower
for spotting approaching invaders.
Consequentially, the minar has come to be a document in history, recording
the metamorphoses of the Indian culture and the different influences in
architecture brought in by the relay of foreign rulers. Although many
hands and minds have been responsible for the design of the Qutub Minar,
there remains a certain rhythm to the structure. The patterns on each
storey differ a little from the other and so does the building material.
All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar
and supported by stone brackets. They are decorated with honey-comb design
and numerous intricate inscriptions in Arabic and Devnagari all over,
displaying a fine example of skill on stone.
Qutub Minar, today, stands as a salvaged ruin against the ravages of
history. Due to accidents in the narrow and difficult stairway, and some
stray incidents of suicides, entry to the Minar is now restricted to the
courtyard. The closure of the minar was also a result of the general decay
of human discipline in the country, which saw some modernistic(!) scriblings,
called vandalism by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), who were
fighting a losing battle trying to preserve this heritage monument.
As a part of the ‘resurrection’ process, during the months of November-December,
a 3-day festival is held in the premises of this historical structure.
This festival, known as the Qutub Festival, not only showcases the cultural
art forms of the country but also puts this classic structure in the cynosure
of national and international attention.
Set amidst the historical background of the Minar, a number of cultural
events are held as a part of the Festival, where veterans of Indian classical
music and folk musicians give spectacular performances.
The towering Qutab Minar wears a new look as the three-day Qutub Festival
of dance and music begins, charming tourists from all over. The Festival
is a joint venture of the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation
and Sahitya Kala Parishad.The regional food stalls set up at the complex
serve local cuisine of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and the northeastern
states, adding to the cultural extravaganza.
Music fills the air by this 12th century landmark. There are Kuchipudi,
Odissi, Manipuri, and various classical dance performances by famous artists
from all over the nation. Sarangi and sitar recitals mesmerise the audience,
while ghazals and qawwalis mark the end of the festival. Artists like the
illustrious three generations of Sarabai Family- Mrinalini, Mallika &
Anahita Sarabai, ghazal maestros - Ustaad Ahmad Hussain and Ustaad Mohammad
Hussein, Odissi dansuese Sonal Mansingh, santoor player Bhajan Sopori, Guru
R.K. Singhajit Singh with his troupe of Manipuri dancers, Kuchipudi duo
Jairama and Vanshree Rao and sarangi players, Ram Narayan and Aruna Narayan
Kalehave have performed here too.
The Qutub Festival is an attempt to preserve and present the rich tradition of
Indian music,contemporary as well as classical. It is surely an exotic experience
for those seeking to have a glimpse of the cultural extravaganza that is India.
