Photo 984(6)

Genre: Architectural Photography

View from the river, looking towards ghats, with the entrance to Aurangzeb's Mosque beyond. 'Ascending a series of steps from the Punchganga Ghat is to be found the approach to the lofty mosque of Aurnagzeb, known, as 'Madhodas ka Dharhara'. The edifice itself, is above the bank of the river; but, its foundations sink deep into the ground, and their enormous breastworks extend far down the bank. It is said, that the foundations of the mosque are as deep as the building is high. More than a century and a half has elapsed since the structure was reared and not a single stone seems to have been loosened. It is regarded as one of the chief sights of the city. On Fridays, a small number of the faithful Mahomedans assemble within its walls for religious purposes. There on the site of the Mosque once stood a magnificent temple of Madhava, which fell a victim to the rancour and violence of the Emperor Aurangzeb to make room for the propagation of his own faith in a part entirely inhabited by the Hindus. Reckoning from the floor of the Mosque the height of the Minarets is 163 feet. There is a staircase in each tower from the summit of which a complete view of Benares and its suburbs is gained.'

[Albumen print, 275x214mm].

Subjects = Bromochary, B.G., 'Views of Benares' (1869); ghats; Indian architecture; Indian architecture (Islamic); mosques