At far end of Qutub complex, 13th Century gateway offers a lesson on architecture

Several authors and historians have written about the Alai Darwaza, describing its architecture and its significance during the Khilji dynasty. (Express photo by Abhinav Saha)

Speaking to The Indian Express, author Rana Safvi said, “Alauddin Khilji had developed an ambitious plan for expanding the mosque complex to meet the needs of the growing congregation in Delhi. The Alai Darwaza was one of the four gates to the complex now known as the Qutub complex. It marks a significant development in Indian architecture — not only was red sandstone and white marble used together for the first time, but it is also said to be the first true dome or the first example of a dome built on principles of arcuate (curved or arched) architecture.”

“It is also significant for its adaptation of local symbols — we can see lotus buds used as decorative elements on its entrances,” Safvi added.

The ASI will begin the first phase of conservation work on the Darwaza, as part of which intricate carvings of red sandstone that have eroded over time will be replaced. Work is to begin by mid-September. The main structure comprises a single hall, i.e. 34.5 feet inside and 56.5 feet outside. The domed ceiling rises to a height of 47 feet.

Author Sohail Hashmi expanded further on how the gateway came to be built: “The gate was the main entry to the expanded mosque. Originally, a mosque was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, which was later partly expanded by Shamsuddin Altamash. This addition, however, had collapsed by the time the Khiljis came to power. Alauddin wanted to expand this further.”

“He even wanted to build a minaret that was twice as tall as the Qutb Minar; the unfinished tower on the other side of Qutub Minar is the Alai Minar. To the south of the original mosque, he built a huge gate — the Alai Darwaza. If his project had been completed, then the entry to the mosque would have been from the south,” he added.

Hashmi further said, “The importance of that gate architecturally is that traditional Turkish art was used for the very first time in India (while building it). It is the earliest surviving dome in Delhi, I would think that would also mean it is the earliest surviving dome in the subcontinent… because Aibak’s capital was Lahore and it did not have any earlier dome surviving.”

Meanwhile, several authors and historians have also written about the gateway describing its architecture and its significance during the Khilji dynasty.

Ghulam Sarwar Khan Niazi, in his book, The Life and Works of Sultan Alauddin Khalji, wrote, “The Alai Darwaza is one of the most treasured gems of Islamic architecture. Like the tomb of Iletmish, it consists of a square hall roofed by a single dome, with arched entrances piercing each of its four walls: and like that tomb, also it is of red sandstone relieved by white marble and freely adorned with bands of Quranic texts of formal arabesques. But there the likeness ends. In every feature whether structural or decorative, the Alai Darwaza is incomparably the finer of the two monuments.”

Renu Saran in her book, Monuments of India, wrote: “Alai Darwaza is amongst the most perfect specimens of the architecture of the Delhi Sultanate, especially of the Khilji dynasty. Built in 1311 AD, it was part of Alauddin Khilji’s extension plan of the Quwaat-ul-Islam mosque on the northern, eastern and western sections. Alai Darwaza was one of the four grand gateways; the other three could not be completed because of Alauddin’s death.”

“The plinth on each side is beautifully carved with floral and geometrical designs in both white marble and red sandstone, creating a superb polychrome effect. A single-storeyed structure, it gives an impression of being double-storeyed from the outside,” wrote Saran.