Not sure how good the artist is, but it's a wonderful scene.

There is a mistake in the introductory paragraph (above). "This structure comprises a series of three square tiered arcades surmounted by an iron pillar. This pillar was originally erected in the third century BCE by the Mauryan ruler Ashoka in Amballa and was later transported to this new capital by the Tughluq sultan as a symbol of dynastic power at the centre of his empire." The pillar, which can be seen in the drawing above, is made of solid, highly polished shiny stone (not iron) and has some inscriptions beautifully engraved on it. The inscriptions probably originate from different time periods as the scripts are different. The amazing job of bringing this massive pillar from its original location down the Jumna river is described in detail in the 'Tarikh-e Firuz Shahi' that has been translated into English. The foundation was excavated, the pillar was gently lowered on to soft, fluffy material, carried on a cart pulled by a very large number of bullocks (and elephants?), transferred on to a boat in the Jumna, and the process repeated in reverse at Firoz Shah Kotla. The entire description demonstrates amazing organizational skills. I think the translation of the inscription is given by Sir Alexander Cunningham in the Reports of the Archaeological Survey of India (but I have to check that again).

The masjid adjacent to the pillar was used by Amir Taimur to have the 'khutba' read in his name, implying that he was the ruler of India. The masjid is partly in ruins now, damaged heavily during the 1947 disturbances.

The shiny finish that the pillar had/has, was the hallmark of Ashok The Great's stone finish. Sample of this finish could even now be seen at Sarnath, Varanasi.

And this finish could also be seen also on the Minar-e Zarreen, lying in 3 or 4 broken pieces near the Ridge in Delhi. Apparently this ancient pillar was accidentally blown into pieces by a battery in Farrukhsiyar's time.

Thanks Rauha

It's amazing, isn't it, that something of historical significance can be lying in several pieces near the Ridge (I assume you mean it's lying around. Or have I got it wrong and the pieces are protected in situ?). I was intrigued when I first... went to Rome, to see pieces of 'Roman' stone dotted around, on the sides of roads, in parks - everywhere. Of course, not surprising, but in Britain - even a small piece of masonry, if dated to the Roman occupation of Britain, would be labelled, treasured and placed in a museum. And that shiny finish is wonderful - very tactile (have seen it at Sarnath). These threads are so informative - I now have more to tell the group I'm taking to Varnasi next month!

@Phillipa: Are you taking a group to Varanasi next month? They you probably would be passing through Delhi. See if you can find time for us to meet as I am based in Delhi.

I'll message you

Okay

Amazing Picture, The Ruins look worse than when we went there from SPA in the 1970's