History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c25.s17.1

v2.c25.s17.1

Whether the Moslims wantonly threw down most of the temples of the Hindûs or not, it is evident that the first three centuries of Muhammadan rule in India were singularly unfavourable for the development of Hindû art in any part of the country where their rule was firmly established. With the tolerant reign of Akbar, however, a new state of affairs was inaugurated. Not only was he himself entirely devoid of religious bigotry, but most—or at least the most—eminent of his ministers and friends were Hindûs, and he lent an attentive ear to the Roman Catholic missionaries who frequented his court. But, besides its tolerance, his reign was marked by a degree of prosperity and magnificence till then unknown during that of any other Indian sovereign of his religion. Not only are his own buildings unrivalled in their extent and magnificence, but he encouraged all those around him to follow his example, and found, among others, a most apt imitator in the celebrated Mân Singh of Amber, afterwards of Jaypur, who reigned A.D. 1592-1615. In 1590 he erected at Brindâban, 5 miles north of Mathurâ, a temple, of Govind-deva or Krishna, which either he left unfinished at his death; or, as is related, the sikhara of it was thrown down by Aurangzib, who is said to have erected also an ’Ibâdat-gah, or place for Moslim prayer, on the roof.¹ It is one of the most interesting and elegant temples in India, and the only one, perhaps, from which a European architect might borrow a few hints.