Question

Who constructed the Alai Darwaza?

Answer 1

Hint: Allauddin Khilji who was the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty of Delhi sultanate constructed- one of the oldest doors, Alai Darwaza in Delhi. Alai Darwaza is also famous as the "Gem of Islamic architecture" because it is one of the earliest structures in India to have Islamic architecture.

Complete Answer:
Allai Darwaza was constructed in 1311 AD and is located inside the Qutub complex having exquisite carving of Islamic architecture with white marbled decoration and latticed red sandstone screens. It highlights a glimpse of early Turkish screen art. Its construction was an important part of the extension of the Quwwat-ut-Islam-Mosque in order to give a beautiful look to the complex of Qutub Minar. Beautiful Islamic carvings are done in Alai Darwaza. Alai-Darwaza is connected to the Quwwat-UL-Islam Mosque through peaked rounded and broad edges which are known as Lotus Buds. Alai Darwaza also has a dome, which has been constructed on an octagonal base and is designed very finely. All the entrance to the Alai-Darwaza has been brilliantly designed and four ridges that are of semi-circular shape. The height of Alai-Darwaza is 17 meters and the diameter of the gate is ten meters or so. The length of the gate is 17 meters and it is 3 meters thick. This gate was quite strongly constructed and the overall design of the historic Alai-Darwaza looks quite impressive.

Note: Alai-Darwaza lies towards the southern end of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and it is regarded as the first monument that reveals the real and true Islamic imprints. Alauddin thought to construct the four gateways leading to the mosque, but before constructing the other three gateways he died in 1316.