History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c26.s2.11

v2.c26.s2.11

It may possibly be questioned to what extent the pillars now stand as originally arranged by the Hindûs. But it seems certain that they have all been re-arranged by the conquerors. And it is quite evident that the enclosing walls were erected by the Moslims, since all the stringcourses are covered with ornaments in their style, and all the openings possess pointed arches, which the Hindûs never used. On the whole, it thus seems that the entire structure was re-arranged in the form we now see it by the Muhammadans. The celebrated mosque at Kanauj was originally a Hindû or Jaina temple, and is rearranged on a plan precisely similar to that of the mosque of 'Amru at Old Cairo.¹ The roof and domes are all of Jaina architecture, so that no trace of the Moorish style is to be seen internally; but the exterior is as purely of Muhammadan architecture. There is another mosque at Dhâr, near Mandû, of more modern date, and, doubtless, a re-arrangement of a Hindû or Jaina temple. Another, in the fort at Jaunpur, as well as other mosques at Ahmadâbâd and elsewhere, all show the same system of taking down and re-arranging the materials on a different plan. If, therefore, the pillars at the Qutb were *in situ*, the case would be exceptional;² but I cannot, nevertheless, help suspecting that the two-storeyed pavilions in the angles, and those behind the screen, may perhaps be as originally erected; but to this we will return when speaking of the Ajmîr mosque, where the Hindû pillars are probably all re-arranged. It is quite certain, however, that some of the pillars at the Qutb are made up of dissimilar fragments, and all were placed where they now stand by the builders of the mosque. It may, however, be necessary to explain that there could be no difficulty in taking down and rebuilding these erections, because the joints of the pillars are all fitted with the precision that Hindû patience alone could give. Each compartment of the roof is composed of nine stones—four architraves, four angular and one central slab (as explained in diagram No. 174, vol. i., p. 314), all so exactly fitted, and so independent of cement, as easily to be taken down and put up again. The same is true of the domes, all which being honestly and fairly fitted, would suffer no damage from the process of removal and re-erection.