QUTB-MINAR

(citation from respective inscription)

The foundations of this world-famous tower, known as the Qutb-Minar, where laid by Qutbuodjn Aibak of the Mamluk dynasty towards the end of the twelfth century.
The construction was interrupted at the first storey by his death, and the remaining three storeys were completed in matching material and style by his successor Iltutmish commonly known as Altamash in A.D. 1230. In A.D. 1368 the minar was damaged by lightning.
Later, Firuz Shah Tughluq (A.D. 1351-88) replaced the top storey by the existing two storeys faced with marble.
Sikandar Lodi (A.D. 1489-1517) also executed some repairs to the minar in A.D. 1503, when it was again injured by lightning.

The tower has a diameter of 14.32m. at the base and about 2.75m. at the top with height of 72.5m. and ascended by 379 steps, it is the highest stone-tower in India and perfect example of minar known to exist anywhere. The variegated plan of its three lower storeys, the projecting balconies with stalactite pendentive brackets and ornate bands of inscriptions on its facades heighten its decorative effect.