The southern gateway of the Quwwatu`l-Islam mosque is known as the Ala-i-Darwaza. Quwwatu`l-Islam mosque is situated just next to the Qutub Minar in Delhi. Alai Darwaza was constructed by the second Khalji Sultan of Delhi Ala-ud-Din Khalji in 1311 A.D. Alai Darwaza of Delhi is the first building employing the perfect Islamic architecture on it.

Architecture of Alai Darwaza
Alai Darwaza is decorated with red sandstone and white marble with Naskh inscriptions and latticed stone screens on it. The architecture of Alai Darwaza showcases the Turkish craftsmanship. It is surmounted by a wide but shallow dome on an octagonal base achieved through squinches with concentric series of arches. The underside of the arches is fringed with lotus-bud embellishment, not merely in the openings, but also in the perforated side-windows. Alai Darwaza is considered to be the true example of perfect arches and domes of India.

Visiting Information on Alai Darwaza
To visit the Alai Darwaza, people have to come to Qutub Minar, which can be reached from anywhere from the city of Delhi. Indira Gandhi International Airport and New Delhi railway station connect this city to other parts of India.

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