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.c16.127

v2.c16.127

Doors are separately described by both the authorities. Vitruvius calls the chapter 'Proportions of the doors of temples' (Book IV, chapter VI). In the *Mānasāra* the subject is treated under two chapters (XXXVIII, XXXIX), called *Dvāra-sthāna* (location of doors) and *Dvāra-māna* (measurement or proportions of doors). Both the authorities classify doors under three species. Vitruvius calls them Doric, Ionic, and Attic; and in the *Mānasāra* they are called *Chhanda*, *Vikalpa*, and *Ābhāsa*. Here is a striking point of similarity with respect to an important omission. In the *Mānasāra* the *Jāti* class always goes with the other three classes mentioned here. Vitruvius has also omitted Corinthian and Tuscan which generally go with Doric and Ionic. In the *Mānasāra* the height of the door is stated to be, as a general rule, twice its breadth. "Their width," says Vitruvius, "is found by dividing the height into two parts and a half, and taking one and a half for the width below." Single folded as well as double folded doors are mentioned in the *Mānasāra*. Vitruvius has referred also to four-fold doors. Indian doors are decorated with foliated and floral ornaments, as well as with the images of deities. "These doors," says Vitruvius, 'are not to be inlaid cerestrota), nor in two folds, but single folded, and to open outwards.' According to Vitruvius doors are generally constructed in the middle of the front wall But according to the *Mānasāra* doors may also be constructed sometimes not in the centre of the frontage, but on either side of the middle.