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.s34: Chapter XLVII: The Theatre (Madhyaraṅga-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.s34
- Language
- English
Chapter XLVII: The Theatre (Madhyaraṅga-vidhāna)
v2.c14.s34.2
In the first verse we meet with the expression *mukta-prapāṅga* which appears to be used in the same sense as *madhya-raṅga*. It is provided with dwarf pillars or pilasters (*anghri-pāda*), and consists of various other members (*masūraka*, *vedi*, *mañcha*, *kuṭṭima*, *upapīṭha*, etc.), and is decorated with *uttaras*, *vājanas*, *mushṭi-bandhas* and *lupās*. It should be furnished with four *bhadras* (or with one *bhadra*) and with eight or sixteen *kshudra-nāsīs*. The upper portion is adorned with figures of leogryphs (*vyāli*) and crocodiles (*makara*). From the last but one verse of the chapter it is evident that there must be a close connection between the *mukta-prapāṅga*, on the one hand, and the *siṁhāsana*, the *makara-toraṇa* and the *kalpa-vriksha*, on the other hand, the latter three subjects being discussed in the two immediately preceding and the following chapters.
v2.c14.s34.3
From this verse it will be seen that the materials to be used for the *mukta-prapāṅga*, etc., are wood, stone, brick (terra-cotta ?) and various kinds of metal (*loha*, literally iron).