Question

Who built the Alai Darwaza, and what was its purpose?

• A. Qutb-ud-din Aibak; entrance to a royal palace
• B. Iltutmish; a tomb gateway
• C. Alauddin Khilji; an enlarged gateway for the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
• D. Babur; part of a Mughal garden

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Alauddin Khilji; an enlarged gateway for the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

### **Alai Darwaza** Built by **Alauddin Khilji**, the **Alai Darwaza** was constructed as part of the expansion of the **Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque**, where he extended its colonnaded enclosures and added two grand gateways. Khilji-era architecture is characterized by several distinct features, including **pointed horseshoe-shaped arches, broad domes, recessed arches under the squinch, perforated windows, inscriptional bands,** and the extensive use of **red sandstone complemented by marble detailing**.