Context:
∙ Recently, efforts are being made to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Hastsal Minar, a Mughal-era symbol of glory.
About the Hastsal Minar:
∙ It is known as the Mini Qutub Minar, is a minaret tower located in Hastsal village in West Delhi, India.
∙ Construction: The minar was built in 1650 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
∙ It was constructed using lakhori bricks and clad with red sandstone.
∙ Design: The tower stands tall at 17 metres tall on a raised platform, with a reducing diameter. It stands on a square platform with an octagonal body.
∙ It was originally a five-storey tower, topped with a domed Chhatri pavilion.
∙ The design of the tower resembles the Qutub Minar of Delhi.
∙ Current State: The minar is currently endangered and has been opened for tourists after renovation.
∙ It has three floors at present, compared to five earlier.
∙ Historical Significance: The minar was used by Emperor Shah Jahan for his entertainment after hunting in the encompassing wilderness that used to surround this colossal Hastsal minaret and royal hunting lodge.
