The Architecture of Alai Darwaza
Alauddin Khilji devoted one of the best craftsmen and architects to the construction of Alai Darwaza. It is one of the first true arches and domes in Indian architecture, unlike those built by other Slave dynasty rulers that didn’t apply Islamic architecture and built false arches and domes. The Turkic craftsmen were employed for crafting the arches and domes of this marvelous architecture. It contains a single chamber of about 34 feet and archways, and the walls are around 11 feet thick. The pointed arches and the lotus buds add beauty to the gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. This gateway is built by employing red sandstone, the distinctive feature of architecture during the Alauddin Khilji period, along with white marble and latticed stone, representing the marvelous craftsmanship of the Indian artisans. Arabic literature was also engraved on the walls of Alai Darwaza. Historians claim that this is the first monument in India to use Islamic architectural principles in its construction. One of the best white marbles was selected for constructing it. Arcade style was also employed in constructing this gateway, along with mortar. The use of Saljuqian features can only be noted in the construction of Alai Darwaza. This monument is also supposed to include the new technology of that time.
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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