History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c26.s2.26

v2.c26.s2.26

It is not clear whether the angular flutings are copied from some peculiarity found in the minarets at Khurâsân and further westward, or whether they are derived from the forms of the temples of the Jains. The forms of the bases of the minarets at Ghaznî appear to lend probability to the first hypothesis; but the star-like form of many temples—principally Jaina—in Mysore and elsewhere (*ante*, vol. i., pp. 439 *et seqq.*) would seem to countenance the idea of their being of Hindû origin. No star-like forms have yet, however, been found so far north, and their destruction has been too complete for us to hope that they may be found now. Be this as it may, it is probably not too much to assert that the Qutb Mînâr is the most beautiful example of its class known to exist anywhere. The rival that will occur at once to most people is the campanile at Florence, built by Giotto. That is, it is true, 30 ft. taller, but it is crushed by the mass of the cathedral alongside; and, beautiful though it is, it wants that poetry of design and exquisite finish of detail which marks every moulding of the mînâr. It might have been better if the slope of the sides had been at a higher angle, but that is only apparent when seen at a distance; when viewed from the court of the mosque its form is perfect, and, under any aspect, is preferable to the prosaic squareness of the outline of the Italian example.