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.c16.95

v2.c16.95

The depth of the foundation-cave is equal to the height of the basement. The four corners and sides, built of brick or stone, are equal. This cave is filled with water and ten kinds of earth; thus the earth from an ant-hill, a crab-hole, etc., is placed at the bottom, and closely pressed and hardened by means of wooden hammers shaped like the elephant's foot. Portions of certain plants are then deposited on the four sides, the root of the blue-lotus to the east, the root of the white-lotus to the south, and so on. Upon these are placed grains of ten kinds of cereals such as *phaseolus mungo*, *phaseolus radiatus*, *dolichos uniflorus*. *seasamum indicum*, and so on. The vault is built thereon, the details of which need hardly be repeated here. Upon such 'strong' foundations, the strength whereof varies according to the weights of the buildings above, various structures are constructed.