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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.s28: Chapter XL: The Royal Palace (Rāja-gṛiha-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.s28

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Chapter XL: The Royal Palace (Rāja-gṛiha-vidhāna)

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Palaces are divided into nine classes with regard to their size, according as they may belong to a king of any of the nine classes enumerated in the next chapter. Each class of palaces, whether of a *chakravartin*, *mahārāja*, *narendra*, *maṇḍaleśa*, etc., admits of nine sizes. For each of the nine main classes it is further laid down, that they should consist of a certain number of halls (*śālā*). Thus the palace of the *chakravartin*, universal monarch or emperor, should have from one to seven halls; that of the *adhirāja* (or *mahārāja*) from one to six halls; that of the *narendra* from one to five halls, and so forth.

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Then the location of the various palace buildings is minutely described on the basis of the *Paramasādhika* plan explained in the 7th chapter called *Pada-vinyāsa*.

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The *Brahma-pīṭha* is installed in the *Brahma-sthāna*, the square in the centre. The main palace of each of the nine classes of kings is then located in certain of the remaining squares—Indra, Varuṇa, Yama, Pushpadanta, etc. Among the other palace buildings enumerated we find mention of the residences of the queens, the princesses, and the private council-hall.

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Other buildings, which are necessary adjuncts to the dwelling of an Indian king, are the coronation pavilion (*abhishekādi-maṇḍapa*), the arsenal (*āyudhālaya*), the store house (*vastu-nikshepa-maṇḍapa*), the house for keeping ornaments (*bhūshaṇālaya*), the dining-hall (*bhojana-maṇḍapa*), the kitchen (*pachanālaya*), the flower pavilion (*pushpa-maṇḍapa*), the baths (*majjanālaya*), the bed-chamber (*śayanālaya*) and several others. These all belong to the inner part (*antaḥ-śālā*) of the palace.

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In the outer part (*bahiḥ-śālā*) are situated the residences of the crown prince (*yuvarāja*), of the family priest (*purohita*), of the ministers and others, likewise the hall of public audience (*āsthāna-maṇḍapa*), temples, etc.

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Pleasure-gardens, flower-gardens, groves, tanks, etc., are assigned their proper places. Stables for horses, elephants, and cow-sheds, etc., are generally made near the main gate. Other animals, which are kept within the royal enclosure, are rams, cocks, deer and antelopes, monkeys, tigers, and peacocks. Pavilions to witness ram-fights and cock-fights (*mesha-yuddhārtha-maṇḍapa*, *kukkuṭa-yuddha-maṇḍapa*) are specially mentioned. The jail (*kārāgāra*) is located in a rather out-of-the-way place, such as the *Bhṛiśa* or the *Antarīksha* part. At the end of the chapter it is stated that for the rest the arrangement is left to the choice of the king and to the discretion of the architects.