According to the inscriptions on the minar, it was
twice struck by the lightning and was damaged. The first incidence
occurred in 1326 during the reign of Muhammed Tughluq. The runner
repaired the tower in 1332. Again in 1368, the lightning damaged this
gem of Islamic architecture and it 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 storeys of the minaret in 1503. It
is said that originally, Qutub Minar has only four storeys made up of
red and buff sandstone. When Feroze Tughluq ordered repairs in 1368, he
replaced the damaged uppermost storey with the two marble storeys, 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 storeys - the lowest had alternate angular and circular flutings,
the second had just the round flutings while the third had angular
flutings only. The projecting projecting balconies with stalactite
brackets and bands of inscriptions serve to beautify the tower further.
Qutub Minar has 379 steps. Though, due to some accidents in the past,
the above storeys are now kept closed and visitors are only allowed
inside off and on.
