Essay name: Architectural data in the Puranas
Author:
Sharda Devi
Affiliation: Himachal Pradesh University / Department of History
This essay studies ancient Indian architectural science as found in technical treatises and the Puranas, with special reference to the Matsya, Garuda, Agni and Bhavishya Puranas. These texts detail ancient architectural practices, covering temple and domestic designs, dimensional specifications, and construction rules.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
26 (of 40)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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26
In Varāhamihira's Bṛhat-saṃhitā the chapters open with a definition
of the science of architecture, the suitable building sites, testing of soil,
general plan, comparative measures of storeys and doors and carvings
thereon and other important parts of a building. The preliminary subjects
are described in the opening chapter. 102 Then follows the description of
the buildings proper under the same twenty types as in the MP and BSP,
the names and details being identical. 103 The preparation of cement is
104 discussed in a separate chapter. One complete chapter is devoted to
the construction of necessary articles of house-furniture, such as
bedsteads, couches and seats.
105 To make a comparative analysis of the architectural details
discussed and elaborated in the four Purāṇas referred to above we have
tried to supplement our discussion also from other Indian vāstuśāstras
such as the Mānasāra, 106 Mayamata,"
ܳ岹岵,
Kāmikāgama,108 Viśvakarmā Śilpaśāstra, Viśvakarmā Prakāśa, Aparājita-
prcchā of Bhuvanadeva, 109 Silpaśāstra
110 Samarāngaṇasūtradhāra," Silparatna111
and
of Mandana,
վṣṇܻdzٳٲ
ʳܰṇa.11
112
