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.s8: Chapter X: Towns [and Forts] (Nagara-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.s8
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Chapter X: Towns [and Forts] (Nagara-vidhāna)
v2.c14.s8.2
As stated above, a town is a large village. According to the *Mānasāra*, it appears that the dimensions of the smallest town-unit are 100 × 200 *daṇḍas*; the largest town-unit is 7,200 × 14,400 *daṇḍas*. A town may be situated from east to west or from north to south according to the position it occupies. There should be one to twelve large streets in a town. It should be built near a river or a mountain and should have facilities for trade and commerce with the foreigner (*dvīpāntara-vartin*). Like a village, it should have walls, ditches and gates drains, parks, commons, shops, exchanges, temples, guest-houses, colleges, etc. For purposes of military defence, the towns are generally well fortified.
v2.c14.s8.3
Towns are divided into eight classes : *rājadhānī*, *nagara*, *pura*, *nagarī*, *kheṭa*, *kharvaṭa*, *kubjaka*, and *pattana*. The distinction between them is slight, the general description given above being applicable to all. But it may be noted that the city called *pattana* is a big commercial port. It is situated on the banks of the sea or a river, and is always engaged in exchange and commerce with foreigners who deal specially in jewels, silk clothes and perfumes, etc., imported from other countries (*dvīpāntara*).
v2.c14.s8.4
Forts are first divided into eight classes, called *śibira*, *vāhinī-mukha*, *sthānīya*, *droṇaka*, *saṁviddha* or *vardhaka*, *kolaka*, *nigama*, and *skandhāvāra*. There is a further division of these forts according to their position. They are known as mountain fort (*giri-durga*), forest fort (*vana-durga*), water-fort (*jala-durga*) chariot fort (*ratha-durga*), gods’ fort (*deva-durga*), marsh fort (*paṅka-durga*) and mixed fort (*miśra-durga*).
v2.c14.s8.5
The mountain fort is subdivided into three classes, according as it is built on the top of the mountain, in the valley, or on the mountain-slope.
v2.c14.s8.6
All these forts are surrounded with strong walls and ditches. The wall is made of brick, stone and similar materials. It is at least 12 cubits in height and its thickness at the base is at least 6 cubits. It is provided with watch-towers.