In this investiture of fleshly life A soul that is a spark of God survives . And sometimes it breaks through the sordid screen And kindles a fire that makes us half-divine. Savitri, Book 11, Canto V
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Monday, January 26, 2009

inside Qutub complex

The Qutab complex, also spelled Qutb or Qutub, is an array of
monuments and buildings at Mehrauli in Delhi, India, the most famous
of which is the Qutb Minar. This complex was first constructed by
Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty, and his
successor Iltutmish (aka Altmash) in his new city called the
Qila-Rai-Pithora near Prithivraj Chauhan's older city. The complex was
added to by many subsequent rulers, including Iltutmish and Ala ud din
Khilji as well as the British.

The most famous monument situated in the complex is the Qutub Minar;
other important constructions in the complex are the Quwwat ul-Islam
Mosque, the Alai Gate, the Alai Minar and the Iron pillar.
Twenty-seven previous Jain temples were destroyed and their materials
reused to construct the minar and other monuments of the complex.