On the southwest side of the Qutub Minar court, stands an L-shaped construction, consisting of Ala-ud-din Khilji`s tomb dating CA 1316 AD, and a Madrasa, an Islamic seminary built by him. It was marked originally by a boldly projecting portico, the remains of which still exist. Khilji was the second Sultan of Delhi from Khilji dynasty, who ruled from 1296 to 1316 AD.
Structure of Khilji"s Tomb
The central room of the building, where the tomb lies, has now lost its dome, though many rooms of the seminary or college are intact because of recent restoration. There were two small chambers connected to the tomb by passages on either side. Fergusson in his book suggested the existence of seven rooms, to the west of the tomb, two of which had domes and windows. The remains of the tomb building suggest that there was an open courtyard on the south and west sides of the tomb building, and one room in the north side served as an entrance.
Concept of Madrasa and Tomb
The concept of a combined Madrasa and tomb, probably a Saljuqian tradition, makes its first appearance in India here. The Alai Minar stands near to the tomb, an ambitious tower, which Ala-ud-din Khilji started to construct to rival the Qutub Minar, though he died when only its first storey was built and then its construction got abandoned. It now stands, north of the mosque.
The tomb is in a very decayed condition. It is believed that Sultan Ala-ud-din`s body was brought to the complex from Siri and buried in front of the mosque. Later it became a part of the Madrasa adjoining the tomb. Firoz Shah Tughluq, who took on the responsibility to repair the tomb complex, mentioned a mosque within the Madrasa.
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