The Qutub Minar is the most common and oldest symbol of Delhi; this minaret, the tallest ever made in brick, lurks over the city like a watchful protector. Surrounded by an aura of rich and interesting history, everyone who looks at it is left wondering what it is that makes this monument so unique. And on 27 September, which is also World Tourism Day, the ESS and History students of Grades 11 and 12 of Pathways World School, Aravali, had the opportunity to discover what makes the Qutub Minar so special.

The walk, headed by Ms Surekha Narain, who runs the Delhi Metro Walks, is one we all won’t forget for a while. Ms Narain was like a well of historical knowledge who talked about the Minar so passionately that we couldn’t help but be immersed in it as well. From the different Mughal emperors who helped complete the Minar which was originally started by Emperor Qutub-u-din Aibak, to the beautiful tombs of some famous saints, we experienced it all.

 

Ms Narain was a dream guide who answered all of our questions patiently and provided us with some fun facts and stories about the Minar as well. What can only be seen from the Qutub Minar traffic light to a normal bystander is the minaret, but what can’t be seen is the mesmerizing architecture that surrounds the minaret. Ms Narain provided us with details on how every nook and corner of the Minar and its surroundings was influenced by one of the emperors that ruled in that period.

 

This wonderful trip would have never been possible without Mrs Bhagirathy Jhingran, Ms Rupa Sen, Mr.Gurucharan Kumar, Mr.Arvind Chalsani and Dr.Naidu. I don’t think that any of us will ever look at the Qutub Minar the same way again and our heartfelt thanks to Delhi Metro Walks for making this experience so knowledgeable.

Text: Shreya Singh, Grade 11

This program is a pioneering effort of PWS Aravali to go to Delhi Metro Walk to explore the Delhi heritage on 27.09.2012 for 3 hours (9.30 a.m to 1 p.m).This walk for 25 students of the Qutb complex and the Archeological park for birds / trees / butterflies & monuments--- a walk that combines the built & natural heritage