Yaha kisi ko bhi kuch hasb-e-arzu na mila
Kisi ko hum na mile aur hum ko tu na mila
– Zafar Iqbal
Narrative
Alauddin Khilji wanted to immortalise himself by constructing a magnificent structure, both in terms of size and style. However, little did he realise that in the world full of desires, not all desires are fulfilled. The Alai Minar located in the Qutub complex is an incomplete minar initiated by Alauddin Khilji with purpose of constructing a minar twice the size of Qutub Minar. However, the venture was soon given up after his death in 1316 C.E. What remains today is the first storey in rubble masonry which would have been covered with stone later on, probably marble.
Architecture
The Alai Minar located in the Qutub complex is an incomplete minar initiated by Alauddin Khilji with purpose of constructing a minar twice the size of qutub minar. However, the venture was soon given up after his death in 1316 C.E. What remains today is the first storey, 80 feet in height and 254 feet in circumference, in rubble masonry which would have been covered with stone later on, probably marble. It consists of 32 faces each of which is 80 feet wide.
Heritage Walk
This incomplete Minar lies within the northern boundaries of the Qutb complex. It symbolizes
the supremacy and might of the great Alauddin Khalji, sultan of the Khalji Dynasty. To
commemorate his victory over the Deccans, and to be recognized as the supreme ruler of that
time, the Sultan dreamt of erecting a tower right opposite and twice the size of Qutb Minar,
inside the enclosure of the mosque.
Today, the 24.5 m high minar, silently stands in undulating rubble masonry as an unfulfilled
dream of the ruler.
Timings:Sunrise-Sunset
References
a. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qutb_Minar_complex#Alai_Minar_of_Khalji
b. “Monuments of Delhi: Lasting Splendour of the Great Mughals and Others. Volume III Mehrauli Zail.”1997.