This celebrated Minar is situated about nine miles southward of the city of Shahjehanabad, (the modern appellation of Delhi,) and is reported to have been built by Cuttub Shah, who ascended the throne of Delhi, a. d. 1205. The general form and proportions of this lofty building are judicious, and the effect agreeable; the masonry, as well as the ornamental parts, are executed with great care and ability; its perpendicular height is two hundred and forty-two feet six inches, and in circumference at the base one hundred and forty-three feet. It is chiefly built of a reddish kind of granite, but the white which appears in the upper part is very fine marble: there is a spiral staircase leading up to the top, with occasional openings to the balconies, which were originally defended by battlements; but many of them are at present gone to decay, as well as a considerable part of the cupola.