megalomaniac as well as an orthodox Muslim. It was but natural that he claimed his place in the unique symbol of Islamic Victory in Hindustan.
ALAI DARWAZA:
Alai- Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Ala-ud-Din Khalji in A.D. 1311 as recorded in the inscriptions engraved on it. This building employs Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation including true arches and true domes. It is decorated with red sandstone and inlaid with white marble decorations, inscriptions in Naskh script; latticed stone screens and showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the Turkish artisans who worked on it. It is considered to be one of the most important buildings built in the Delhi sultanate period. With its pointed arches and spearhead of fringes, identified as lotus buds, it adds grace to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque to which it served as an entrance.
ALAI MINAR:
The unfinished tower of Ala-ud-din Khilji, Alai Minar stands to the north of Qutub-Minar. He wanted to rival the Qutub Minar and planned its construction in such a manner that once finished, it would be double the size of Qutub Minar. Alai Minar symbolizes the megalomania of its patron Ala-ud-din Khilji who clearly understood the symbolic importance of the Qutub Minar. Ala-ud-din Khilji no doubt was a great conqueror. He expanded his territory towards the southern parts of India. He conceived a very ambitious construction programme after his returned in triumph from his Deccan campaign. He started the construction of Alai Minar, after he had doubled the size of Quwwat ul-Islam mosque. He wanted his tower to be two times higher than Qutb Minar in proportion