Page:An Elementary History of Art.djvu/39

 Indian Architecture. 9 which is surmounted by three or more large domes. The interiors of the mosques are richly ornamented, as are also the bold external minarets on either side of the principal entrance. The tomb of Mahomet, at Beejapore, is one of the largest domical stone structures known to exist in any country. Internally, it measures 135 feet each way. At the Fig. 4. — Hindu Temple. Gopura, or Gate Pyramid. height of 57 feet from the floor the wall begins to assume the form of the dome by a series of pendentives (i. e. the portions of vaults placed in the angles of rectangular com- partments, to reduce them to a round or other suitable form to receive the dome) of great beauty and ingenuity. The mosque of Beejapore is little inferior to the tomb.