'Qutub Minar was Vishnu Stambh, built by breaking 27 Hindu temples': VHP's latest claim

Right-wing organisation Vishwa Hindu Parishad made major claims regarding the Qutub Minar, which was built by Delhi's first Muslim ruler, Qutub-ud-din Aibak.

VHP's Vinod Bansal claimed that 27 Hindu temples were demolished to build the structure. He said, "He inscription at the Qutub Minar premises says that 27 Hindu temples were demolished to build that structure. It also says that the objective was the hoist the flag of Islam, and annoy Hindus. Such structures were built to show the absolute power of Islam. Inside, on the pillars and walls, were broken idols, and some were intact as well. Innumerable examples are there. What you call Qutub Minar was actually Vishnu Stambh, with Garuda at the apex. They tried to break an existing structure and remake it, but they failed. The part at the bottom does not match the part at the top."

He demanded that the temples be built again at the Qutub Minar complex, and Hindus be allowed to offer prayers there. Bansal said, "The way temples were broken and used to build pillars there is an insult to the Hindu community. The 27 temples mentioned there should be built again to reignite their brilliance. Hindus should be allowed to worship there."

The VHP also objected to permission given to Muslims to offer prayers at the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque on the Qutub Minar premises, calling it step-motherly treatment of Hindus. Bansal said, "I buy a ticket to go there, but I can't take a camera etc there. But jihadi forces are still performing namaz there. Why?"

The 73 m-tall Qutub Minar was built in 1193, after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu rulers.