Delhi : Ala-ud-din Khilji's tomb and madrasa in Qutub Complex

Friday, July 24, 2015

Ala-ud-din Khilji Tomb and Madrasa is located in the Qutub Complex, which is located near the Mehrauli Archaeological Park on the Sri Aurobindo Marg, the closest Metro station being Qutub Minar.

 Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji initially known as Ali Gurshap was the  second ruler of Khilji dynasty. He was one of the most powerful rulers who ruled between 1296 AD to 1316 AD.  His tomb was constructed near the madrasa aka educational centre in 1316.

The tomb was constructed by his loyal Nobles. 

The madrasa is a series of rooms, where students used to study Islam, sadly they are in ruins now, the roofs of which collapsed a long time ago. 

Delhi : Alai Minar in Qutub Complex

Friday, July 17, 2015

The Alai Minar is located in the Qutub Complex, which is located near the Mehrauli Archaeological Park on the Sri Aurobindo Marg, the closest Metro station being Qutub Minar.

When I saw this structure, many thoughts ran through my mind. Was it a Mosque in ruins or some historic monument. But what Rohan told me, blew my mind off. He informed that, this was supposed to be a Minar, the tallest had it been built.

Alai Minar

The Alai Minar is an incomplete monument that lies within the Qutub complex. Sultan Ala-ud-Din Khalji of the Khilji dynasty's dream of constructing a Minar (Tower) to commemorate his win in the Deccan campaigns. 

He wanted to built a Minar that was double the height of the Qutub Minar as he wanted people to remember him after his death. 

Alai Minar

Qutub Minar is a spectacular piece of art, not sure as to why Sultan Ala-ud-Din Khalji wanted to built something bigger and taller than that. After all we are human so ego clashes are bound to happen. LOL.