History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c26.s2.23

v2.c26.s2.23

The Qutb Minâr, or great minaret at the south-east corner of the first mosque, is 48 ft. 4 in. in diameter at the base, and, when measured in 1794, was 242 ft. in height.¹ Even then, however, its capital was ruined, so that some 10 ft., or perhaps 20 ft., must be added to this to complete its original elevation. It is ornamented by four boldly-projecting balconies; one at 97 ft., the second at 148 ft., the third at 188 ft., and the fourth at 214 ft. from the ground; between which are richly-sculptured raised belts containing inscriptions.² In the lower storey the twenty-four projecting ribs which form the flutes are alternately angular and circular; in the second circular, and in the third angular only. Above this the minâr is plain, and principally of white marble, with belts of the same red sandstone of which the three lower storeys are composed (Woodcut No. 372).