THIS view was taken from the east of the Minar, and includes the two first bands of inscription, the lower one being cut into the surface of the stone, whilst the upper one is raised about two inches above it. The former circumstance is cited as a reason hi favour of the Hindu origin of the column, it being held that the Muhammadans found the pillar built up to a certain height, and were obliged to mscribe the first band of inscription and arabesque. The character of the ornament in the lower band closely resembles the ornament on the middle gateway of the Masjid built by Kutb-ud-din.
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