History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c31.s8.26

v2.c31.s8.26

The earlier settlers in India felt themselves so completely expatriated and cut off from intercourse with Europe, that they adopted many of the habits and feelings of the people among whom they were dwelling. Among other peculiarities they seem to have been seized with a mania for sepulchral magnificence ; and at Surat, Ahmadâbâd, and other early settlements on the West Coast, we find Dutch and English tombs of the 17th century which rival in dimensions and are similar in form to those of the Muhammadan princes of the day. It is true, when closely looked into, their details will not bear examination. Their builders had a notion that pillars should be round, and arches circular, and a hazy reminiscence of the Orders ; but they could not draw them, and the natives could not realise what was wanted from imperfect verbal instructions. The consequence is, we find domes supported on twelve pillars of no style whatever, and native details mixed with something which has no name, in a manner that is perplexing, though often picturesque. Being all in brickwork and stucco, most of them are now falling to ruin ; but that of Sir George Oxenden (died 1669) and his brother Christopher at Surat is still kept in repair, and would make a sensation in Kensal Green. It consists of a cupola in memory of Christopher within the loftier and larger mausoleum of his distinguished brother, which is of two storeys, with a