"The perishable fakīr, Jehanarai Begam, daughter to Shāhjahān, and disciple of the saints of Cheesty, in the year of the Hijerah 1094[1]."
From the Delhi Gate of the Fort of Agra, which is grand and
solid, but sadly disfigured by fanciful patterns in whitewash,
you come to the Tripolia, so called from its three gates, I
imagine, but it may be three any thing else. A low arcade of
stone runs all round the area, and forms the Fort Bazār. It is
built of red granite.
The Mahookma Masjid beyond the wall is remarkable for its five domes; it was built by Jahāngeer, and is now used as a Company's Godown (magazine of stores).
The Madrissa, a Muhammadan College, erected two years ago by the Government, is a handsome building.
THE MAUSOLEUM OF ETMAD-OD-DOULAH.
This tomb is situated on the opposite side of the Jumna: to arrive at it, you cross a bridge of boats. It is situated in a walled garden, to which there are four gateways of red granite ornamented with black and white marble. The building stands on a quadrangular terrace of white marble, on each side of which is a marble fountain. The tomb is of white marble inlaid with precious stones, and fretwork of the same material, both internally and externally. The roof is ornamented with four turrets and a sort of dome in the centre.
Chaja Aiass, a native of Tartary, of ancient family, was raised to the rank of absolute Wuzeer by Jahāngeer, under the title of Etmad-od-Doulah, after his marriage with his daughter, the beautiful Mher-ul-Nissa, the widow of Sher Afgan. The centre room in the tomb contains the sarcophagus of the Wuzeer and that of his wife, of yellow marble, carved. The walls of the room are of white marble, inlaid, the pavement of the same. The ceiling is a mass of the most curious, the most elaborate workmanship in gold and silver, and coloured flowers,
- ↑ Extract from Captain Franklin's Reign of Shah Aulam.
