Have you ever considered what makes Delhi so unique and appealing to tourists? Yes, Delhi has many intriguing things to offer tourists, but historical monuments span a large portion of the city. Tourists frequently visit Alai Minar, a well-known structure. Let us examine why the Alai Minar is so well-known in Delhi.
About Alai Minar
The Alai Minar is part of the well-known Qutub complex in South Delhi. This is most likely Delhi’s lone incomplete monument. Despite the fact that it is not a finished monument, it has drawn visitors for centuries. Alai Minar is thought to have existed from the nineteenth century.
History of Alai Minar
Sultan Ala-Ud-Din Khilji was an overly ambitious ruler. He was enraged to create this monument after winning a battle during his Deccan expeditions. He desired to erect this monument as a symbol of his victory.
The Sultan’s overly ambitious disposition drove him to construct a building that may be double the height of Qutub Minar. He desired that his structure be so tall that the entire world would be aware of the Sultan’s magnificence and bravery. He desired to produce a great masterpiece, and he desired that the world recognise this enormous masterpiece as the Sultan’s handiwork.
Architecture of Alai Minar / Alai Minar was built by:
He began construction on the monument in accordance with the Sultan’s idea. The monarch desired that the enclosed Masjid Quwwat-Ul-Islam be expanded four times its original size. An entry gateway was built on both sides of the mosque to guarantee that the Sultan’s request was granted.
He desired his monument to be taller than this mosque, and he also specified that it bear his name, therefore Alai Minar was born. Construction began in accordance with the Sultan’s plan.
The Alai Minar’s first level stood 24.5 metres tall. Unfortunately, Sultan died just after the first floor was completed, and the Minar’s development was put on hold. The Sultan’s ambitious spirit is reflected in the Alai Minar. Despite the Sultan’s efforts, his monument could never be matched to Qutub Minar.
Present Day Scenario of Alai Minar
Despite the Sultan’s efforts to make his monument one of Delhi’s tallest structures, he was unable to realise his objective. The monument’s imperfect stone carvings demonstrate the beauty of the monument even if it is incomplete.
This is an example of how overachievement may ruin a brilliant piece of art. This incomplete masterpiece will always remind you of something that should have been done better but was destroyed due to overachievement. When you visit the Qutub complex, you will undoubtedly love the sight of Alai Minar. Although it is in ruins, it will undoubtedly capture your attention.
Alai minar inside
The Alai Minar is an incomplete tower in the Qutub Complex that was begun by Alauddin Khilji. After doubling the size of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Khilji chose to build a tower twice the height of the Qutub Minar.
When was alai minar built
Alai Minar is a half completed historical structure erected in 1300 CE by one of Delhi’s most rebellious Sultans, Alauddin Khilji, in an effort to attain a height four times that of Qutub Minar. This 80-foot-tall minar, located near the Qutub Minar, was abandoned soon after Allaudin Khilji died in 1361 CE. Khilji was so pleased with his accomplishments that he desired a minar twice the size of Qutub Minar.
Alai Minar Plan
The building reached the first story before being halted due to the death of Sultan Ala-ud-din Khalji in 1316 AD. His successors were unable to finish the building because the political situation had altered. The Khilji dynasty was vanquished, and the Delhi Sultanate passed to the Tughlaq dynasty. In the instance of Sultan Khilji, what is in store for us in the future is real. His lofty goal was never realised. The subtle reality is that he did finish a great tower – Qutub Mimar – which is visited by thousands of people every day.
The Alai Minar is 24.38 m (80 ft) tall and has a circumference of 77.72 m. (255 feet). The outside wall of the tower is extraordinarily thick, measuring 5.8 m (19 feet) and split into 32 faces of 2.43 m (8 feet). There is a central column in the inside where a stairway to a higher level would be. The centre column is 8 metres (26 feet) in diameter. The corridor was 3 metres wide so that a stairway could be built. The entryway is located on the tower’s eastern side.
How to reach Alai Minar
As Alai Minar is located in Qutub complex, which is most famous site in Delhi you can reach easly by road and by metro. Here are the Alai Minar’s address, nearest metro station, timing and ticket price details. You may get to the Alai Minar in Delhi by taking a local bus or hiring an auto-rickshaw or cab as w
Nearest Metro Station
The nearest metro station of Alai Minar is Qutub Minar Metro Station on yellow line which is 3Km away from the monument. You can take Auto or riksha to reach the destination in 10 mintues. You may get to the Alai Minar in Delhi by taking a local bus or hiring an auto-rickshaw or cab as well from you home if you are going via raod.
Address: Qutub Minar Complex Rd, Ladha Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
Timings
Alai Minar timings are same as Qutub Minar which is 7am–9pm and remains open on all days of the week. You can also visit now at evening to show the lighing on Qutub Minar. The best time to visit Alai Minar during early morning hours to avoid the crowd and line for the ticket.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee is Rs.35 for Indians and Rs.550 for foreigners. Children under the age of 15 are admitted free of charge. You can also book ticket online when you reach at ticket counter to avoid lines.
Conclusion
Alai Darwaza Gate is a really beautiful construction that needs to be visited since it is a good example of Delhi Sultanate architecture and how they constructed something as wonderful as this monument towering tall in Delhi’s Qutub Complex.
