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.s32.848

v1.c6.s32.848

All these branches of knowledge are necessary for architects. Three out of the four architects forming a guild must be qualified generally in all of these. But each of the four must be an expert in his own special subject. Takshaka must be an expert carpenter and joiner. Vardhaki must be expert in designing and painting. Sūtragrāhin must be an expert in drawing. The chief architect, Sthapati, should, in addition to all these qualifications, have an intuitive foresight so as to be able to calculate and decide everything quickly. This wise division of labour is necessary for successfully carrying out a big design in architecture or sculpture. From this it may be inferred that the architects of ancient India were once a well organised guild. It should be noticed that from the epigraphical records quoted above Dr. Fleet has come to the same conclusion.