History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c31.s5.2

v2.c31.s5.2

Nowhere is the contrast between the two styles more strongly marked than in the palace of Agra—from the red stone palace of Akbar or Jahângîr, with its rich sculptures and square Hindû construction, a door opens into the white marble court of the haram of Shâh Jahân (1638-1648), with all its feeble prettiness, but at the same time marked with that peculiar elegance which is found only in the East. The court is not large, 170 ft. by 235 ft., but the whole is finished with the most elaborate care. Three sides of this are occupied by the residences of the ladies, not remarkable for size, nor, in their present state, for architectural beauty; but the fourth, overhanging the river, is occupied by three white marble pavilions of singular elegance.