Alai Minar

The Alai Minar is an incomplete monument that lies within the Qutub complex in South Delhi. Sultan Ala-ud-Din Khalji was an over-ambitious Sultan of the Khilji dynasty and won many wars and battles.

After a win from one of his Deccan campaigns, the Sultan dreamt of constructing a huge Tower or Minar to commemorate his victory. He wanted a structure that would double the height of Qutub Minar in order to be remembered as the only Sultan who dared to create such a monumental masterpiece that was grandeur and more spectacular than the Qutub Minar of Qutb-ud-din Aibak of the Slave dynasty that ruled before him.

The Alai Minar is an unfinished tower in the Qutub Complex, construction of which was started by Alauddin Khilji. After Khilji had doubled the size of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque he decided to construct a tower which would be twice the height of the Qutub Minar.

Construction of the Alai Minar came to a halt in 1316 following the death of Alauddin Khilji. Today the Alai Minar, a massive red rubble structure stands at a height of 2.5 meters. The Alai minar was to be a mark of his great glory and Alauddin Khilji had reason to celebrate.