The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c23.s4.102

v4.c23.s4.102

That even in the production of works to serve a utilitarian purpose the Mughuls at this time were inclined to employ labour drawn from sources not far removed from Persia is shown in a famous bridge built at Jaunpur. Begun as early as 1564 to conduct the road across the Gumtī, it was devised and carried out by workmen imported from Hazāra in Afghānistān, noted for their engineering skill. Into the design of this bridge the builders introduced appropriate decorative elements which have made it a handsome structure of good architectural appearance (Fig. 14). It consists of ten spans of pointed arches with substantial piers carried up into pillared pavilions partly projected over the water on brackets. The whole composition provides an excellent illustration of the aesthetic spirit that then prevailed, and of the manner in which an object primarily intended for use, can with correctly applied taste become also a work of art.