Essay name: Samrajya Lakshmi Pithika (Study)
Author:
Artatrana Sarangi
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit Languages
This is a study in English of the Samrajya Lakshmi Pithika (written by Lolla Lakshmidhara) representing an encyclopedic manual for emperors. The Samrajyalaksmipithika encompasses about 3870 verses in addressing topics such as public festivals, governance, warfare (military strategy), and rituals associated with the Tantric worship for the deity Samrajya-Lakshmi.
Chapter 5 - Forts, Castrametation and the Royal Army
41 (of 135)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
536
The royal palace :
As it is noted earlier, the construction of the
palace starts on a central site selected for the purpose, at
a good distance from the ramparts. The construction work
is begun on an auspicious day first, by cleaning the site
by removing clods of earth, bones, pieces of wood and such
other impurities. Then with stone, brick and mud is erected
an enclosure-wall of the specification of (2 x 8) kiskus
(cubits) and topped with sharp inter-twined spikes of
iron or wood (40.3-7).
To the east or north is erected a very high gate
which is broad enough to allow unimpeded movement of
chariots, horses and elephants. It is painted with a
variety of colourful motiffs the chief of which is the
image of Gaialaksmi at the top. The strong threshold of
the gate is said to house a two-fold door. (8-9).
The Hall of Audience (asthana-man岣峚pa):
The astana-mandapa is stated to be made of teak-wood
(saradaru) and of the size of (8 x 36) cubits with side
terraces and turrets, rendered approachable by a flight
of steps at the front and with beautiful and painted walls.
