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.

Alai Darwaza

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. 

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. 

Other Architecture of Alauddin Khilji

Indian architecture achieved heights during the reign of the Delhi Sultanate. Alauddin Khilji commanded the Delhi Sultanate from 1290 to 1320. Two notable structures were built during this period, viz Alai Darwaza and Siri Fort. Four gateways were planned to be built; however, only one gateway could be constructed, called the Alai Darwaza. Siri Fort also used red sandstone and was built to protect the kingdom from Mongol invasion. It was also used as headquarters for Khiljis and several other activities. Hazar Sutton was also built during Alauddin Khilji as a palace. Due to his early demise, his architectural works remained brief. 

Note

From the facts mentioned above and information about the architecture of the Alai Darwaza, it can be rightly concluded that the Alai Darwaza built by Alauddin Khilji is truly one of the most magnificent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. The craftwork and artisanship constructed in this tremendous chamber and gateway are highly appreciable. It represents Indian Architecture very well and also glorifies the reign of Alauddin Khilji and the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. It should be duly considered that this is one of the first true examples of Islamic architecture in India. The citizens should act dutifully toward the conservation of this historical monument.