41 



The emperor Shah Jehan intended erecting a similar mauso- 

 leum for himself on the opposite side of the river, and connecting 

 the two magnificent structures by a bridge ; but succeeding events 

 having prevented the completion of this great design, his remains 

 were, by order of his son and successor, Aurungzebe, also deposited 

 in this beautiful edifice, which, in point of design and execution, is 

 one of the most extraordinary works anywhere extant. The admi- 

 rable art and nicety of the masonry has hitherto withstood the effect 

 of time; nor have successive barbarous and predatory conquerors 

 yet violated its sanctity and beauty. Two great squares or areas 

 contain the principal buildings ; those of the outer one seem in- 

 tended for the convenience of travellers, distant visitors, and the 

 inferior officers and dependents of the roza, a name for the mau- 

 soleum, but implying something saintly or sanctified. The inner 

 square, which is entered through a stupendous dome, with brass 

 gates, most elaborately and exquisitely worked, is an entire gar- 

 den, shaded by numerous stately trees, adorned by marble canals 

 and a fine reservoir, studded with fountains through the middle 

 avenue. The right and left boundaries of the garden are formed 

 by magnificent buildings for recreation and devotion. 



At the extremity of the garden, opposite the grand entrance, 

 and overlooking the river, stands pre-eminent, and alone, elevated 

 on a very extensive platform, having a lofty minaret at each cor- 

 ner, composed entirely of beautifully white marble, the imperial 

 roza ; in which, under the grand centre dome, rest the ashes of the 

 emperor and his consort in separate tombs. My inquiries respect- 

 ing the quarries whence this marble was procured were not satis- 



VOL. IV. 6 



