About Alai Darwaza
Alai Darwaza was built by Alauddin Khilji around 1311 as an entrance door to the Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. This door was over 14 meters tall and had arches of very pleasing proportions that were very accurate. It is also the entrance to Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque from the Southern side. The door also contains a magnificent dome built on correct scientific lines. It was the first time in Indian Architecture that such precision was achieved in making a dome. The Indian craftsman achieved great architectural and artistic skills in the medieval period. Another interesting fact about Alai Darwaza, built by Alauddin Khilji, is that he attempted a tower twice the size of Qutub Minar. But, he failed in this attempt and added this entrance to the Qutub Minar. The Alai Darwaza is considered the oldest building in Delhi. Alauddin sought to expand the length of the mosque after 120 years of its construction.
Alai Darwaza: The Gate of Alauddin Khilji
India is a marvel when it comes to archaeological monuments, structures, sites, buildings, etc. The carvings on the architecture are not fixed; rather, they draw inspiration from many foreign monuments from the ancient period; the Indian rulers and kings built structures that glorified their status. These include palaces, temples, statues, etc. When foreigners, like the Mughals, the Khiljis, the Tughlaqs, etc., started invading the Indian subcontinent, they brought new styles of architecture, and new types of buildings were erected. They include forts, mahals, minarets, graves, etc. These rulers built their structures in their capital cities.
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