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.c14.s16: Chapter XVIII: The General Description of Buildings (Vimāna-vidhāna)

Mānasāra Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Mānasāra-Śilpaśāstra; III. Mānasāra on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Mānasāra: Translation; V. Architecture of Mānasāra: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v2.c14.s16

Language: English

Chapter XVIII: The General Description of Buildings (Vimāna-vidhāna)

v2.c14.s16.2

The contents of the chapter are divided into the following headings: the classification of the *vimānas* of one to twelve storeys; the three styles of architecture; the characteristic features of the *stūpikā* or pinnacle, the *stūpi-kīla* or pinnacle staff, the *lupā*, and the *mukha-bhadra*; and the ceremonies of fixing the pinnacle staff.

v2.c14.s16.3

The description begins with the making of the foundation; but this subject has already been dealt with in the 12th chapter.

v2.c14.s16.4

The classification of *vimānas* of one to twelve storeys is elaborately described here, their absolute dimensions having already been given in the 11th chapter called *Bhūmilamba-vidhāna*. Each of the twelve classes is subdivided into three types, according to their size—large, intermediate and small. Whilst the width of the small type of one-storeyed building is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 parts, it should be 5, 6, or 7 parts in the intermediate type, and 6, 7, or 8 parts in the large type. These 'parts' appear to be the partitions of the façade bordered by two pilasters (*pāda*).

v2.c14.s16.5

The three styles of architecture are called *nāgara*, *drāviḍa* and *vesara* which are apparently geographical names. The distinguishing feature seems to be the general shape of the *śikhara*.

v2.c14.s16.6

In the third place the measurement and mouldings of the pinnacle (*stūpi* or *stūpikā*) are given in detail. The height of the *stūpi* is one cubit (*hasta*) in the houses of the Śūdras, two cubits in those of the Vaisyas, two cubits and a half in the houses of the crown-princes (*yuvarāja*), three cubits in the houses of the kings (*kshatriya*), three cubits and a half in the houses of the Brāhmaṇas, and four cubits in the houses of the gods, that is, in temples.

v2.c14.s16.7

Building materials are then discussed. Four kinds of material are distinctly mentioned: stone, brick, wood, and iron (*lauha*).

v2.c14.s16.8

Buildings are made of one, two, three or all four of these materials, but preference is given to the use of one material alone. With regard to materials, buildings are divided into three classes, namely, *śuddha* (pure) made of one material alone, *miśra* (mixed) made of two materials and *saṁkīrṇa* (amalgamated) made of three or more materials.

v2.c14.s16.9

The term *stūpi-kīla* literally means the nail or pin of the *stūpi*. Its form is described clearly. It is quadrangular at the base, octagonal at the middle, circular at the top, and tapering gradually from bottom to top. The width at the top is one *aṅgula*.

v2.c14.s16.10

Then two more architectural members are described, namely, the *lupā* and the *mukha-bhadra*. The former is explained by Rām Rāz¹ as "a sloping and a projecting member of the entablature, representing a continued pent roof. It is made below the cupola [*śikhara*], and its ends are placed as if it were suspended from the architrave, and reaching the stalk of the lotus below."