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my accommodation. This grand mausoleum, which stands due 

 norlh and south, on the southern bank of the river Jumna, was 

 built by command of the emperor Shah Jehan for the interment of 

 his favourite sullana Momtaz mehl, or Montazal Zumaiti, the " Pre- 

 eminent in the seraglio, or Paragon of the age;" and at his death his 

 remains were also here deposited, by order of his son Aurungzebe. 



"This building, in point of design and execution, is one of the 

 most extensive, elegant, commodious, and perfect works that was 

 ever undertaken and finished by one man. To this celebrated 

 architect the emperor Shah Jehan gave the title of Zerreer Dust, 

 or Jewel-handed, to distinguish him from all other artists. This ex- 

 traordinary man, knowing the impatience of the emperor, and the 

 peculiar situation of the intended structure on the precarious banks 

 of the river, after laying a strong foundation, secreted himself for 

 twelve months, nor could the strictest search by imperial mandate 

 discover his retreat. At the expiration of that period, he volunta- 

 rily appeared in the hall of audience, and throwing himself on the 

 emperor's clemency, declared that he had absconded from the fear 

 of beino- uroed by his majesty to proceed with the superstructure 

 before he had sufficiently proved the solidity of the foundation; of 

 this beintr now perfectly satisfied, he was ready to fulfil the impe- 

 rial command. 



" The astonishing art and niceness of the masonry has hitherto 

 admirably withstood the devastations of time; nor has a succession 

 of barbarous and predatory invaders yet dared to violate the sanc- 

 tity and beauty 'of this wonderful fabric. It is composed of two 

 laro-e squares ; the outer one intended for the accommodation of 

 travellers, and the convenience of the inferior officers attached to 



