Alai Minar, Delhi

Alai Minar is a historical monument located in the Qutub complex in Delhi, India. The Alai Minar was commissioned by Alauddin Khilji, a prominent ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, around the year 1311. Its structure was intended to be a colossal victory tower, similar in design to the nearby Qutub Minar. The construction of the minaret was planned to be much higher than the Qutub Minar, one of the most famous landmarks in Delhi. However, construction was abruptly halted after the death of Alauddin Khilji, resulting in an all but unfinished structure. The minar was decorated with intricate carvings and decorations similar to the Qutub Minar. Its purpose was to demonstrate the power of the ruler and to celebrate his military victories. The location of Alai Minar reflects the rich history of medieval India and the various dynasties that ruled the region.

Alai Minar is a testimony to the architectural and historical legacy of the Delhi Sultanate. The total height of the tower is 24.38 meters and the circumference is 77.72 meters. The outer wall of the tower is 5.8 meters thick and is divided into 32 pieces of 2.43 metres. The interior has a central pillar around which stairs were to be built to climb to the top. The diameter of the central pillar is 8 m. The path on which the stairs were to be built is 3 meters wide. The entrance is located on the eastern side of the tower.

• Visitors to the Qutub complex can view this unique structure and learn about its historical context.
• The Alai Minar was never completed, and its height is much lower than originally envisioned.
• The Alai Minar was designed as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, similar to the Qutub Minar. It was to be built of red sandstone, and its base was built using the existing infrastructure of a Jain temple that was demolished to make way for the new structure.
• The minaret was to be decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy, which displayed the artistic skill of the time.

📅 Last update: 2023-09-19 || ✍ Author: Sandhya Chauhan

Meet Sandhya, exploring India with curiosity and wonder. She shares info and tips in simple language, inviting you to join the journey. She is graduated in tourism and writes about the places of India.