Alauddin Khalji's Tomb - Qutb Complex, Delhi

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Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts a rich heritage of monuments, with approximately 1300 scattered throughout the city. Among these, Qutb Minar stands out as one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks. The Qutb Minar complex, besides housing the renowned Qutb Minar itself, encompasses several other historical structures. Let's delve into some of the monuments within this complex that were commissioned by Alauddin Khalji.

History


The Slave Dynasty held sway over Delhi until 1290 CE when Firuz Shah of the Khalji tribe ascended the throne, marking the commencement of Khalji Dynasty's rule in Delhi. Alaud-Din Khalji, a prominent ruler in the Khalji Dynasty, made significant contributions, including laying the foundation of Siri, the second city of Delhi.

Known for his ruthlessness, Alauddin Khalji eliminated perceived threats to his rule without hesitation, orchestrating the demise of entire families, including women and children. His reign witnessed extreme brutality, with reports suggesting the massacre of around 30,000 individuals in a single day in Delhi. Even his own kin were not spared in his quest for maintaining authority.


Alauddin Khalji's Tomb and Madrasa


Alauddin Khalji's ambitious pursuits knew no bounds, extending his conquests across vast regions of India. In addition to expanding the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, he harbored aspirations of erecting a Minar twice the size of Qutb Minar, although this plan remained unrealized. Furthermore, he envisioned constructing a madrasa, an Islamic religious school, adjacent to the Quwwat mosque.

Presently, the madrasa stands in a state of disrepair, housing the tomb of Alauddin Khalji. Notably, he was the first Indian ruler to integrate a tomb within a madrasa. While the domes of the madrasa have endured, the complex has fallen into ruin.


The extensions undertaken by Alauddin Khalji within the complex now lie in decay, featuring tombs of unidentified individuals, a dilapidated mosque, and an abandoned well. Despite its current state, the Qutb Minar complex remains a testament to the historical grandeur of the Khalji Dynasty.
Happy travelling. 




Location: Qutab Minar, Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India

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