Ala-I-Darwaza

The Ala-I-Darwaza is a magnificent gateway in the compound, containing many Islamic buildings built by the Slave dynasty and the Khilji dynasty around 12th and 13th century AD near Delhi. Other important buildings there include Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque.

The gateway was built by the first Khilji sultan of Delhi – Ala-ud-din-Khilji. The gateway is decorated with inlaid marble decorations, latticed stone screens and showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the Turkish artisans who worked on it. Khilji also started building the Alai Minar which was conceived to be two times higher than Qutub Minar. The construction was abandoned, however, after the completion of the 24.5 meter high first storey, soon after death of Ala-ud-din.