Sultan Alauddin Khilji Tomb & Madrasa

The Sultan Alauddin Khilji Tomb and Madrasa is located in the Qutub Complex in Mehrauli, New Delhi, India. It was commissioned by Alauddin Khilji, one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, in the early 14th century as a tomb for himself and a madrasa (Islamic school) for the local community. Alauddin Khilji was a patron of the arts and architecture, and he commissioned several impressive buildings during his reign, including the Alai Darwaza and the Alai Minar. The Sultan Alauddin Khilji Tomb and Madrasa was built in a similar architectural style as the Qutub Minar complex, with a mix of Hindu and Islamic elements. The complex consists of a tomb, a mosque, and a madrasa. The tomb is a large structure with a central dome and four smaller domes, surrounded by a courtyard. The walls of the tomb are adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions in Arabic and Persian. The madrasa is an Islamic school with a central courtyard, surrounded by rooms for students and teachers. The mosque in the complex is a large prayer hall with an arched entrance, surrounded by a colonnade of pillars. The walls of the mosque are decorated with intricate calligraphy and carvings. The Sultan Alauddin Khilji Tomb and Madrasa is an impressive example of the architectural and artistic achievements of the Delhi Sultanate. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in India, and it serves as a reminder of the region's rich cultural heritage. The complex is still used as a place of worship and study today, and it is open to visitors who wish to explore the history and beauty of this important cultural site.

Sultan Alauddin's Tomb and Madarsa, an architectural marvel, stands as a testament to the historical significance of the era. The tomb, adorned with intricate designs, pays tribute to a prominent figure in history. The accompanying madarsa, an educational institution, adds an extra layer of cultural and intellectual value to this site. Together, they provide a glimpse into the rich heritage and scholarly pursuits of the past. A visit here is a journey back in time, exploring the legacy of Sultan Alauddin and the pursuit of knowledge during that period.

The ruins of a tomb can be seen in a very dilapidated condition in front of Quwwat-ul-Islam, next to a madrasa adjourned with the tomb in the Qutub Minar Complex, Delhi. It is sad that after the death of Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1316, his body was brought here from Siri. It is believed that it was built by Alauddin Khalji himself in 1315. The roof of the tomb have been fallen over time and has no dome. It is a simple stone masonry structure without any carvings or calligraphy. There are two small chambers connected to the tomb by passages on either side.

Entry Fee (Qutub Complex): Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 250 for Foreigners. Timings: 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM. At a distance of 15 km from New Delhi Railway Station, Alauddin Khilji Tomb and Madrasa are situated in the Qutub Complex. It was the first structure in India with a tomb standing alongside a Madrasa. Ala-ud-din's Madrasa is located to the south-west of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. It was established by Ala-ud-din Khilji, as a college for education on Islamic scriptures and theology. It consists of rooms and halls built around a quadrangular court. Screened walls were originally present on the eastern and western sides of the quadrangular court. On the western side, a group of seven small, cell-like structures are present, which are believed to have served as residents of the teachers and staff. The entry on the north side consists of an elaborately carved doorway. The central room of the Madrasa, which has Aladdin tomb, has now lost its dome, though many rooms of the structure are intact. Alauddin Khilji was the second Sultan of Delhi from Khilji dynasty, who ruled from 1296 to 1316 AD. It is believed that Ala-ud-din's body was brought to the complex from Siri and buried in front of the mosque, which formed part of the madrasa adjoining the tomb.