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.s2: Chapter II: The System of Measurement (Mānopakaraṇa-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.s2
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Chapter II: The System of Measurement (Mānopakaraṇa-vidhāna)
v2.c14.s2.2
The first part of this chapter gives a mythical genealogy of the artists. From the four faces of Brahmā, the Creator of the Universe, originated in order the heavenly architect Viśvakarman, Maya, Tvashtar and Manu. Their four sons are called respectively Sthapati, Sūtragrāhin, Vardhaki and Takshaka. These four evidently represent the progenitors of the four classes of terrestrial artists.
v2.c14.s2.3
The *sthapati* is highest in rank; he is the master-builder. The *sūtragrāhin* is the *guru* of *vardhaki* and *takshaka*; while the *vardhaki* is the instructor of the *takshaka*.
v2.c14.s2.4
The *sthapati* must be well-versed in all sciences (*śāstras*). He must know the Vedas. He must have the qualifications of a supreme director (*āchārya*).
v2.c14.s2.5
The *sūtragrāhin* also should know the Vedas and the Śāstras. He must be an expert draftsman (*rekhājña*).
v2.c14.s2.6
The *vardhaki* too should have a general knowledge of the Vedas. But the object of his special study is painting (*chitra-karman*).
v2.c14.s2.7
The *takshaka* must be an expert in his own work, i.e., carpentry.
v2.c14.s2.8
The second part of this chapter deals with the system of measurement:
v2.c14.s2.9
The *paramāṇu* or atom is the smallest unit of measurement.
v2.c14.s2.10
8 *paramāṇus* = 1 *rathadhūli* (*lit.* car-dust).
8 *rathadhūlis* = 1 *bālāgra* (*lit.* hair's end).
8 *bālāgras* = 1 *likshā* (*lit.* a nit).
8 *likshās* = 1 *yūkā* (*lit.* a louse).
8 *yūkās* = 1 *yava* (*lit.* a barley corn).
8 *yavas* = 1 *aṅgula* (*lit.* finger's breadth).
v2.c14.s2.11
Three kinds of *aṅgulas* are distinguished, the largest of which is made of 8 *yavas*, the intermediate one of 7 *yavas*, and the smallest one of 6 *yavas*.
v2.c14.s2.12
12 *aṅgulas* = 1 *vitasti* (span).
.2 vitastis or / 24 angulas = 1 *kishku-hasta* (small cubit).
25 *aṅgulas* = 1 *prājāpatya-hasta*.
26 ,, = 1 *dhanurmushti-hasta*.
27 ,, = 1 *dhanurgraha-hasta*.
4 *hastas* = 1 *dhanus* (bow) or *daṇḍa* (rod).
8 *daṇḍas* = 1 *rajju* (string).
v2.c14.s2.13
Directions are given with regard to the use of the four different kinds of cubits (*hasta*) enumerated above. Conveyances (*yāna*) and couches (*śayana*) are said to measured in the cubit of 24 *aṅgulas*, *vimāna* in the cubit of 25 *aṅgulas*, buildings (*vāstu*) in general in the cubit of 26 *aṅgulas*, and villages, etc., in the cubit of 27 *aṅgulas*. The cubit of 24 *aṅgulas* may, however, also be used in measuring all these objects.
v2.c14.s2.14
In the concluding portion of this chapter directions are given for the preparation of the yard-stick (*hasta*), the rod (*daṇḍa*), and the measuring-string (*rajju*). The former two objects should be made of the wood of certain trees, which are enumerated. In the same manner certain fibres are to be used as materials for the rope. The presiding deity of the yard-stick and the rod is Vishṇu, and that of the measuring rope Vāsuki, the king of serpents.