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) v2.c13.s2.63

v2.c13.s2.63

The *Brihat-saṁhitā*, usually classed under the astronomical and astrological treatises, is but a semi-Purāṇa, dealing, as it does, with heterogeneous subjects like the Purāṇas themselves. Its authorship is attributed to Varāhamihira who is supposed to be one of the nine traditional gems in the court of a mythical Vikramāditya², and is thus imagined to be a contemporary of Kālidāsa a poet of unrivalled fame In this treatise there are but five chapters devoted to both architecture and sculpture. But the subjects have been treated with a master hand. The chapters open with a definition of the science of architecture, and the author goes on to describe, briefly but succinctly and to the point, 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.³ Then follows the description of the buildings proper, under the same twenty types as in the *Matsya* and *Bhavishya Purāṇas*, the names and details being identical.⁴ The preparation of cement is discussed in a separate chapter.⁵ One whole chapter is devoted to the construction of the necessary articles of house-furniture, such as bedsteads, couches, and seats.⁶ Quite consistently with his sense of proportion Varāhamihira devotes only one chapter to sculpture, where too the details of images are described in a scientific manner which is distinctly missing in other ancient literature.⁷ He is, however, accused of being "in the habit of uncritically copying his authorities" and misappropriating their materials. But in his treatise seven architectural authorities are mentioned distinctly.⁸