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Significance of Shilpashastra

Shilpa Shastras is a crucial aspect of Vastushastra, encompassing guidelines on the art and science of architecture, sculpture, and iconography in ancient Indian traditions. These texts provide methodologies for artistic creation, integrating fine and mechanical arts within architectural practices. They also cover principles of design, construction, and the rituals associated with arts, particularly in temple building. Notable texts like Brihatsamhita and Samarangana-Sutradhara contribute to this rich tradition, offering a structured approach to artistic and architectural endeavors in India.1
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Synonyms: Art of sculpture, Architecture, Construction

In German: Shilpashastra; In Finnish: Shilpashastra; In Spanish: Shilpashastra; In Dutch: Shilpashtra

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Shilpashastra'

Hinduism Books

Shilpa Shastras in Hinduism encompass traditional texts guiding sculpture and architecture, outlining principles of artistic creation and construction, integrating aesthetics and rituals, and serving as foundational manuals for ancient Indian arts and architectural practices.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) The science of art and architecture, encompassing various traditional practices and principles.[1] (2) The study concerned with the arts, particularly relating to sculpture and architecture, with a significant contribution from Agamas.[2] (3) Ancient Indian texts that provide guidelines and principles for arts and crafts, particularly in town and architectural planning.[3] (4) Systematised manuals that are canonical books of art involving the science of architecture.[4] (5) The study of the arts and crafts, particularly focused on sculpture and iconography.[5]

From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)

(1) A traditional text or guideline that outlines the principles and practices of architecture and sculpture.[6] (2) A manual on the art and science of construction, particularly machines, which is unique in its focus within the context of the text.[7]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Significance in Shilpashastra (iconography):
Shilpashastra Books

From: Manasara (English translation)

(1) An ancient Indian treatise on arts and crafts, mentioned in connection with the construction plans supported by Shrimant Bala Shahib Pant Pratinidhi.[8] (2) Texts, such as the one by Mandana and the Samarangana-Sutradhara, that address architectural and sculptural subjects, often in either abridged or enlarged formats.[9]

Shilpashastra represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

The concept of Shilpashastra in local and regional sources

History Books

Shilpa Shastras, rooted in Gupta period literature, encompass guidelines for art, architecture, idol-making, and temple construction, detailing artistic practices and techniques crucial for ancient Indian aesthetics and Hindu worship.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Traditional texts that lay down the principles of architecture and sculpture within Hindu culture.[10] (2) The study of Indian arts and crafts, particularly sculpture and architecture.[11] (3) An ancient treatise on arts and crafts that guided the architectural and sculptural practices within the temples and ensured adherence to specific aesthetic principles.[12] (4) Ancient texts that outline the techniques and principles of image-making and art forms in India.[13] (5) Ancient texts that classify and explain the various styles and techniques used in Indian temple architecture and art.[14]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This is an example of architecture, which along with vastu-vidya, there are substantial doubts whether the available manuals were actually consulted by practitioners, or belonged more strictly to a scientific sphere.[15]

Plural form: Shilpashastras.