History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c26.s3.5

v2.c26.s3.5

which it is now known—the “Arhai dîn ka Jhomprâ,” which, if it means anything, can only apply to the clearing away of the Hindû temples and symbols, to provide materials for the erection of a magnificent mosque to the glory of the iconoclast conquerors and their self-exalting creed of Islâm. It stands on the outskirts of the city at the base of Târâgadh hill. Like the remains at Old Delhî, the entire plan is Moslim, whilst the columns and roofs are the spoils of Hindû temples. At first sight the plan, with its large cloistered court, bears a resemblance to that of a Jaina temple, and the octagonal arrangement of the pillars for the support of the roofs, might seem to support the comparison.² But like many others elsewhere this formed an enclosure, about 262 ft. square outside,³ with towers at the corners, to be surrounded on the north, east, and south sides, by open cloisters raised on Hindû pillars, now almost quite ruined. The principal entrance is, of course, on the east side, but there was another on the south with a projecting porch. The north side is built close to the scarped rock of the hill. The open court would be about 200 ft. wide by 175 ft. to the front of the Masjid on its west side, which is the only part now standing; and Woodcut No. 376 shows all that now exists