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).
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An Annual Tribute 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. |
