decorated with honey-comb design, more conspicuously in the first storey.
    Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters in different
places of the minar reveal the history of Qutub. According to the
inscriptions on its surface, it was repaired by Feroz Shah Tughlaq and
Sikandar Lodi. Major R. Smith also repaired and restored the minar in
1829.
    Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the north-east of minar was built by
Aibak in 1198. It is the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It
consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the
carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jaina temples
which were demolished by Aibak as recorded in the inscriptions on the
eastern entrance.
    Later, a lofty arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged
by Iltutmish and Alau"d-Din Khalji. The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears
an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of fourth century AD, according
to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja (standard of god Vishnu)
on the hill known as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty king named
Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that
probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it.
    The tomb of Iltutmish was built in 1235. It is a plain square chamber
of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and
arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and the whole of
interior. Some of the motifs viz., the wheel, tassel, etc., are reminiscent of
Hindu designs.
    Ala"i-Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque
was constructed by Ala-ud-Din Khalji in 1311 as recorded in the
inscriptions engraved on it. This is the first building employing Islamic
principles of construction and ornamentation.
    Ala"i Minar which stands to the north of Qutub-Minar, was
commenced by Ala-ud-Din Khalji, with the intention of making it twice
the size of earlier Minar. He could complete only the first storey which
now has an extant height of 25 m. The other remains in the Qutub
complex comprise madrasa, graves, tombs, mosque and architectural
members.
Feroz Shah Kotla In 1354,