North-west minaret (Agra)

 minaret, do not draw title

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The iconic minarets stand at the corners of the marble plinth. Each minaret is split into three parts by two balconies that encircle the tower. At the top of the tower is a final balcony surmounted by a Chhatri (domed pavilion) that echoes the design of those on the mausoleum: a lotus design topped by a gilded finial. Each of the minarets contain an internal winding staircase made of rough sandstone that accesses all three balconies, however, they are not accessible to the public.
All four minarets were constructed slightly out of plumb to the outside of the plinth,
believed to be a design measure intended to protect the main mausoleum from damage should a minaret collapse (a typical occurrence with many such tall constructions of the period).