Madhoray Ghat and The Minarets At Benares

1831

Lithograph on paper

Print size: 11.6 x 6.8 in (29.5 x 17.5 cm)
Sheet size: 16.5 x 10.6 in (42 x 27 cm)

Lithographed by L Haghe
Printed by W Day, London

With a descriptive text at the back of the plate.

Plate 4 from the first part of James Prinsep's 'Benares Illustrated'. Prinsep (1799-1840), an antiquary and colonial administrator was assay master at the Benares Mint between 1820-30. The lithographs published in this collection were based on his original sketches of the various views of the 'holy' city of the Hindus. Of this view he writes: 'The Madhoray Musjid (Mosque) was erected by Aurangzebe on the site and with the materials of the Temple of Bindh, Madho or Vishnoo, which is described by Tavernier as having occupied the whole space of ground from Punchgunga to Ram Ghat. The Mosque has little architectural beauty to boast of, but the Minars have been deservedly admired for their simplicity and boldness of execution. They are only 8 1/4 ft. in diameter at the base, and the breadth decreases to 7 1/2 ft., which they have an altitude of 147ft. 2 inches, from the Suhun or terraced-floor of the Musjid to the Kulsa or pinnacle. The terrace is elevated about 80ft. above the river at low water level.

At the time of drawing the sketch, the Musjid and Meenars were under repair...'. (Source: British Online Library)

This print will be shipped unframed

NON-EXPORTABLE