The Qutb Complex (or Kutub Complex) in Mehrauli, Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases a mix of Indo-Islamic and pre-Islamic Hindu and Jain architectural influences. It was primarily developed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and later rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, using materials from destroyed Hindu and Jain temples. As a result, Hindu iconography can still be seen in various structures within the complex.
Despite being an Islamic site, many elements of Hindu temple art were incorporated into the structures due to the reuse of temple materials. Some key examples include:
Some pillars depict celestial nymphs (apsaras), gods, and sacred animals, though their faces and key features were often defaced to comply with Islamic aniconism.
Built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the late 12th century, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in the complex was constructed using materials from demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
Several Hindu motifs, including floral designs, bells, garlands, and kalashas (sacred pots), are still visible on the pillars.
