History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c30.24

v2.c30.24

His grandfather, Ibrâhîm II. (1579-1626), had commenced his mausoleum on so small a plan—116 ft. square—that, as he enjoyed a long and prosperous reign, it was only by ornament that he could render it worthy of himself, his favourite wife, and other members of his family.¹ This, however, he accomplished by covering every part with the most exquisite and elaborate carvings. The ornamental inscriptions are so numerous that it is said the whole Qorân is engraved on its walls. The cornices are supported by the most elaborate bracketing, the windows filled with tracery, and every part so richly ornamented that had his artists not been Indians it might have become vulgar. Plate XXX. shows the eastern façade of this fine mausoleum.