Alai Minar - Qutb Minar Complex, Delhi

Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts a rich heritage of monuments, with approximately 1300 scattered across its landscape. Among these, the iconic Qutb Minar stands as one of the most renowned structures. Within the Qutb Minar complex, amidst various monuments, lies the intriguing and incomplete Alai Minar, which we shall explore in this article.

History

The Slave Dynasty held sway over Delhi until 1290 CE when Firuz Shah of the Khalji tribe ascended the throne, marking the beginning of Khalji Dynasty's rule. Alaud-Din, a notable figure in the Khalji Dynasty, initiated the construction of Siri, the second city of Delhi.

Known for his ruthless rule, Alaud-Din spared no one whom he perceived as a threat to his authority, often resorting to mass executions that included women and children. His cruelty extended even to his own family members, whom he eliminated to secure his position.

 It is said that he had once slaughtered around 30,000 people in a single day in Delhi. To retain power, he had even killed his own family members. 

Alai Minar

Within the Qutb Minar complex, Alaud-Din Khalji envisioned Alai Minar, an ambitious project to construct a minaret twice the size of the Qutb Minar. Commencing in the late 13th or early 14th century CE, he completed only the first storey during his reign, and subsequent rulers showed little interest in finishing the monument. The current single-storeyed structure of Alai Minar stands at 24.5 meters, significantly shorter than the towering Qutb Minar, which boasts a height of 72.5 meters.

Today, Alai Minar remains an unfinished marvel, nestled in one corner of the Qutb Minar complex, serving as a testament to ambitious plans left incomplete, with its single floor showcasing remnants and debris.

Today, Alai Minar stands in one corner in Qutb Minar complex as an unfinished monument showing off rubble and debris. 

Happy travelling.