206 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
marble, but, though elaborately ornamented, there is 
nothing tawdry about it ; on the contrary, it forms 
a grateful contrast with the more stately edifice 
behind it ; the latter being built of a reddish 
stone, throws out the former into bold and striking 
relief, the beauty of each being much enhanced by 
their appropriate juxta-position. The form of both 
buildings, though they are highly decorated, is ex- 
tremely simple ; and this simplicity of construction 
displays the elaborate detail of ornament to the best 
possible advantage. 
The mosque is a beautiful design, constructed with 
admirable taste and judgment, courting attention 
everywhere to the beauty of its forms in detail, and 
to the effect of their combination, which is in the hap- 
piest style of appropriate art. It is probable that funds 
were left by the founder to keep it in repair, as while 
the edifices by which it is surrounded are in a state of 
lamentable decay, this temple still exists in perfect 
preservation. The whole of the exterior being con- 
structed of a dark red porphyry, gives it an aspect of 
magnificence apart from the judicious embellishments 
with which the taste of the architect has enriched it. 
Round the domes and on the parapet are turrets sculp- 
tured with great mechanical skill ; and the windows 
and gateway are perhaps equal to anything of the 
kind in this or any other country. In front of the 
mausoleum are several small tombs still in good pre- 
servation ; and this spot is the daily resort of numerous 
righteous Mohammedans, who entertain a highly re- 
ligious veneration for the burial-places of their reputed 
saints. The engraving gives an extremely accurate 
