The Alai Darwaza in Qutub Minar Heritage Complex

The Alai Darwaza is the only entrance remaining of four added to the Qutb Complex by Sultan Ala ud-din Khilji reg. 1296 - 1316. Located on the south-eastern edge of the complex, its elaborate treatment suggests that it may have been used as a gate to the city itself through the extension of the Qutb mosque. In contrast to the existing Qutb Mosque, which was built with the spolia of the existing temples on the site, the Alai Darwaza was a new structure. Its exterior is clad with intricately carved red sandstone and white marble bands carved with calligraphic inscriptions in Naksh script or geometric patterns. In the centre springs the gate itself, a true arch as opposed to the older, local trabeated construction visible in other parts of the Qutb complex, ornamented with slender pillars.

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