While visiting the Qutub Minar, one of the most famous minars of the country and the highest one, I came upon this under-construction piece of architecture that looks appealing to the eyes but creates a curiosity in the viewer about the reason why it is so.
The Minar is unfinished and even though there are numerous minars as such, this is a special one.
The Alai Minar is a historical monument located in the Qutub Complex in Delhi, India. It was started by the Khilji Sultanate ruler, Ala-ud-din Khilji, in 1311 AD as a commemoration of his victory over the southern kingdoms. The structure was intended to be twice the size of the existing Qutub Minar, which was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
A Monument Built By Ala-ud-din Khilji
The construction of the Alai Minar was a grand and ambitious project, and it was planned to be 88 meters tall, with a base diameter of 15 meters. The construction was started with great enthusiasm, and the work progressed rapidly. However, the project was abandoned soon after the death of Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1316 AD. The structure was left unfinished, with only the first storey completed, and the construction was never resumed due to the death of Khilji. How did he die, you ask?
The death of Ala-ud-din Khilji is shrouded in mystery, and the exact cause of his death remains a topic of debate among historians.
Mystery Behind The Death Of Ala-ud-din Khilji
According to some historical accounts, Ala-ud-din Khilji died of natural causes in 1316 AD, after a long reign of 20 years. However, there are also several other theories about the circumstances surrounding his death.
One theory suggests that Khilji was poisoned by his own nephew, who had ambitions of seizing the throne. Another theory suggests that he was assassinated by his own army commander, Malik Kafur, who was unhappy with Khilji's decision to favor his son, Shihab-ud-din, as his successor over him. Some accounts suggest that Khilji died during a military campaign in the Deccan region, while others suggest that he died of a disease.
Despite the various theories surrounding his death, it is clear that Ala-ud-din Khilji was a powerful and influential ruler who played a significant role in shaping the history of India. His reign was marked by numerous military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural developments, and his legacy remains a subject of fascination and study for historians to this day.
About Alai Minar
The first storey of the Alai Minar is built with red sandstone, and it has a height of about 25 meters. The minar has a diameter of about 12.5 meters at the base, and it is adorned with beautiful calligraphic inscriptions and intricate designs. Despite being an incomplete structure, the Alai Minar remains an impressive monument, a testament to the grandeur and ambition of the Delhi Sultanate.
Today, the Alai Minar is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can climb up to the first storey to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding area. The minar is also a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India, and it serves as a reminder of the grandeur of the Delhi Sultanate.
You can check it out while visiting the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
Written by - Anushka Dabhade
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