TOMBS OF THE KINGS OF GOLCONDA—p.12.
The Tombs at Golconda are those of the Kootub Shahee dynasty, and were begun upwards of three centuries ago. They are in that Saracenic style from which, probably, our beautiful Gothic was derived. The designs of all are similar, and the exquisite finish is continued through every part of each. The body of the buildings is quadrangular, and surmounted by a dome: the basement rests upon a spacious terrace, approached by flights of steps, and surrounded by an arcade terminating in a rich balustrade, with a minaret rising at each angle. From the centre of the inner building, or lantern, springs a dome, swelling as it rises, the greatest diameter being one-third of the height. The exterior faces of the terrace are of grey granite, finely wrought, each arch, from the top of the pier, being cut from a single block. The dome is either stuccoed, or covered with tiles of coloured porcelain. The colours retain their brilliancy to this hour, and many of the ornaments, and extracts from the Koran, raised on a purple ground, produce a singular and admirable effect. Near to each mausoleum stands a mosque, where religious offices were performed. Formerly these Tombs enjoyed the privileges of a sanctuary, food was distributed from them to the poor, they were encircled by spacious gardens, the floors were all richly carpeted, the tumuli spread with embroidered satin, and shadowed by canopies of the same material.
