Photo 1000/31(3184)

Genre: Architectural Photography

General view from the road of the north and west façades of building. India Museum no. 1426. Received from Captain Lyon, 7 February 1871. For another copy of this photograph in better condition (a later printing), see Photo 199 (19).

535. - Arrived at the entrance to the citadel not more than 100 yards distant, the road turns to the East, and almost immediately on the right the building here represented will be seen. It is considered a most beautiful structure, highly ornamented with richly carved clay stone, which, till closely examined, has the appearance of wood. The following curious story is related regarding its erection: When the Mohametans first invaded India, they in their jokes gave the Hindus various nicknames, among others, they called the low cast sweeper Mihtari or Prince, and this word in its corruption of mehter is now used to signify 'sweeper.' Ibrahim Shah I was afflicted with a dreadful malady, which no medicine could cure. Having applied to the astrologers, one of them told him that he could recover, if he would present a large sum of money to the first person, he might see the next morning, intending of course to present himself to the king's notice the moment he awoke; but the king restless from illness rose much earlier than usual, and looking out from a window of his palace, saw a poor sweeper, on whom he bestowed the enormous sum, which had been named. With the money thus obtained the mehter is said to have built this edifice, but for what purpose seems very doubtful.