Are you looking for lesser-known facts about Alai Darwaza? Here is a collection of interesting and unknown facts about Alai Darwaza which You’ve Never Heard Before.
The city of Delhi has adopted many cultures and the distinct cultures reflect in the art, food, festivals, and lifestyle of this metropolitan city. There are so many historical places to visit in this city, Today we will provide you information about Alai Darwaza, one of these historical places of Delhi.

Alai Darwaza is one of the oldest doors in Delhi and is said to be the jewel of Islamic architecture. Alai Darwaza was built in 1311 AD by Alauddin Khilji, the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty of Delhi Sultanate.

Interesting Facts about Alai Darwaza

1. It is located in South Delhi, inside the Qutub Minar complex, which has beautiful and attractive carvings of Islamic architecture with white marble and red sandstone.
2. The workmanship of this grand and spacious Alai Darwaza shows a glimpse of early Turkish art, hence it is also called the best and unique specimen of early Turkish art.
3. The construction of this historic Alai Darwaza in Alauddin Khilji’s project was an important part of the expansion of the Quwwat-ul-Islam-Mosque to give a beautiful look to the Qutb Minar complex.
4. Also, tell you this, it was one of the four huge and grand entrances, which was completed, while the remaining three entrances could not be completed. Alauddin Khilji, the ruler of the Khilji dynasty, died in the year 1316 AD before the construction of the other three gates.
5. Alai Darwaza is one of the first buildings in India to use Islamic architecture in its construction, hence the Alai Darwaza is also known as the ‘Gem of Islamic Architecture’, the beautiful Islamic carvings done in Alai Darwaza.
6. The Ghulam dynasty in Delhi did not employ the styles of true Islamic architecture during their reign, and they used the wrong domes and the wrong arches.For this reason, the Alai Darwaza is the best example of the first right Islamic domes and right arches in India.
7. Let us tell you that the building of Alai Darwaza is considered to be one of the most important historical buildings built during the time of Delhi Sultanate.

Alai Darwaza Architecture

1. The pointed circular and sprawling fringed edges of the historic Alai Darwaza are known as lotus buds, which connect it to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.
2. Inside the major structure of the Alai Darwaza is a single hall, which is about 35 feet in length and 56.5 feet in width. At the same time, the height of its domed roof is about 47 feet.
3. On the east, west and south sides are the pointed arches of the three doors, which are in the shape of a horseshoe, while the entrance on the north side is of the native form, while its arch is semi-circular. The entire structure of the Alai Darwaza looks beautiful.
4. The Alai Darwaza also includes a dome, the dome has been constructed on scientific principles. Based on complex geometric calculations, the dome has been designed very finely.
5. This dome is built on an octagonal base. Plaster material has been used on the exterior of the dome to preserve it and provide it a uniform appearance.
6. One thing to note about the dome is that all efforts before the tomb of Sultan Iltutmish to build this dome were unsuccessful. The Alai Darwaza dome is a notable achievement in this regard.
7. The Alai Darwaza is beautifully carved with white marble and red sandstone.Along with this, beautifully carved lattice windows on both sides of the entrance are also made, and the decoration of this attractive Alai door surface is also beautiful and attractive.
8. All the entrances to this historic building have been brilliantly designed. The four arches of this gate are semi-circular.
9. There is also a point in the center of the gate, however, the similarity of this gate is almost like the rest of the gate.
10. The overall shape of the Alai Darwaza looks quite attractive and impressive. The height of which is more than 14 meters. The length of the gate is 17 meters and the width is about 10 meters. The gate is about 3 meters thick.In this way, this gate was built very strongly, so it took a long time to build it.
11. This magnificent and historic Alai Darwaza in Delhi is quite magnificent, people come from far and wide to see its beautiful carvings.
12. Alai Darwaza is a gate that is not only huge and grand but also a unique specimen of Islamic architecture.

History

It was built around 1305 and it was built by Alauddin Khilji, a resident of Khilji village, the third descendant of the Afghan Turk Ferozeshah family. In 1296, Alauddin Khilji was seated on the royal throne of Delhi.

The door, made with a beautiful mixture of red stones and marble, was built to enter the south side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.This door is square with a length and width of 35 feet inside and 55 feet from outside. The walls are 47 feet in height from the ground and 11 feet in thickness.This royal door has been slightly damaged during the last 6 centuries. There is also a central chamber of this entrance which is about 16.75 meters long and its dome is 18.8 meters high.

How to Reach Alai Darwaza

You have to reach the premises of Qutub Minar in Delhi. You can reach the Qutub Minar campus via a local bus or by renting an auto-rickshaw and taxi. You can also use the metro.

Alai Darwaza Timings

Open from 6 am to 6.30 pm

Entrance Fee

Entry fee for Indians: Rs 10

Entry fee for foreigners: Rs 250

Free Entry for children up to 15 years old

When to Visit Alai Darwaza

The best time to visit here in February, March and October, November, December. The weather is very pleasant in these months.

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