The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c30.s1.45.2

v3.c30.s1.45.2

and the single propylon is much lower in proportion to its width than that of Atala *Masjid*. These differences, however, are not enough to betoken originality on the part of the architect. On the contrary, in endeavouring to improve on his model, he has signally failed to reproduce its vigour and stylishness and succeeded only in giving us a dull and unimaginative substitute. It is much the same with the great *Jāmi‘ Masjid*, which was erected, a generation later, in the reign of Ḥusain Shāh (acc. 1458), but in this case decidedly more inventiveness has been displayed over the planning and disposition of its parts. The prayer chamber of this mosque (which is 235 feet in length, over all) is divided into five compartments, viz. a square *līwān* in the centre surmounted by a lofty dome and fronted by the customary propylon; on either side of it a low pillared chamber supporting a *zanāna* gallery, which thus looked down into the central *līwān*; and beyond the *zanāna* gallery, a vaulted hall 50 feet in length by 40 in depth. Though less chaste in its details than that of the Atala *Masjid*, which it closely resembles, the domed *līwān* is nevertheless a noble and imposing hall; and the vaulted wings are well conceived and, in cleverer hands, might have been developed into really effective features.