History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c24.28

c24.28

The building of the gate consists of a square hall, 34' 6" inside, 56' 6" outside. The walls are 11' thick and from the inner floor to the domed ceiling, about 47' high. On each side of the gateway there is a lofty door. The three outer facades are very much alike and are constructed in accordance with Islāmic architectural ideals; but the inner one has a much more indigenous character, since its arch is semi-circular and not of the pointed type. The outer doorways contain pointed arches of the horse-shoe type. On the southern side there is a plinth nearly 10' high, with a flight of seven steps which lead to the higher floor of the interior. The vertical sides of the plinth are beautifully carved in varied bands, while the surface of the wall above is profusely decorated with arabesques and inscriptions, with marble sparingly interspersed with the red sandstone of the building. On each side of the doorway there are two windows, about a third of its size, and containing perforated lattice work. Both the doors and the windows, as well as the outer walls, are elaborately ornamented.