Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v1.c6.s29.150

v1.c6.s29.150

(7) On the different branches of architecture Vitruvius agrees with the Mānasāra (1): It might be pointed out that Vitruvius deals with similar objects, in the same manner as in the Mānasāra. He describes the subject in three chapters: “ Of those things on which architecture depends.” “ Of the different branches of architecture.” “ Of the choice of healthy situations.” On the first of these topics Vitruvius says that “Architecture depends on fitness and arrangement; it also depends on proportion, uniformity, consistency and economy.” “Fitness is the adjustment of size of the several parts to their several uses and requires due regard to the general proportions of the fabric; it arises out of dimensions. Dimension regulates the general scale of the work, so that the parts may all tell and be effective.” ‘Proportion is that agreeable harmony between the several parts of a building, which is the result of a just and regular agreement of them with each other; the height to the width, this to the length, and each of these to the whole. Uniformity is the parity of the parts to one another; each corresponding to its opposite, as in the human figure. The arms, feet, hands, fingers are similar to and symmetrical with one another; so should the respective parts of a building correspond."