According to the inscriptions on Qutub Minar, it was
twice struck by the lightning and was damaged. The first incidence
occurred in 1326, during the reign of Muhammed Tughluq. The ruler
repaired the tower in 1332. Again in 1368, the lightning damaged this
gem of Islamic architecture and was taken care of by, the then ruler,
Feroze Tughluq. Sikandar Lodi is also credited with some of the
restoration works done in the upper stories of the minaret in 1503.
It is said that originally, Qutab Minar had only four stories made up
of red and buff sandstone. When Feroze Tughluq ordered repairs in 1368,
he replaced the damaged uppermost storey with the two marble stories,
which accounts for the use of sandstone in the lower portion of the
fourth storey. It is said that a different plan was used for each of the
original three stories.
The lowest one had alternate angular and circular flutings; the second
had just the round flutings, while the third had angular flutings only.
The projecting balconies with stalactite brackets and bands of
inscriptions serve to beautify the tower further. Qutub Minar has 379
steps. Due to some accidents in the past, the above stories are kept
closed and visitors are not allowed inside.
