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) v4.c29.s4.1

v4.c29.s4.1

None knows more clearly than myself what imperfections are to be found in this first attempt at translating such an imperfect text on such highly technical subjects. I owe it, therefore, to the reader to indicate the general method I have closely followed. In the translation of the Text I have endeavoured to adhere as closely as possible to the language of the original. It has consistently been my aim to reproduce the bare meaning of the *Mānasāra*, and to avoid, as far as can be done, taking liberties with the language in order to bring out meanings other than what the most obvious and ordinary natural interpretation would suggest. Notwithstanding this, however, I found myself obliged in some cases to deviate from a strictly literal treatment. The reason for this was mainly the very peculiar nature of the Text and its inconsistent construction, following, as it seemingly does, no rules of grammar. Under such circumstances, there being no standard to which the language can be made to conform, a particular passage may naturally lend itself to wide speculation and diverse conjectures. The method I have followed in such cases has been to avoid the tendency towards speculation and broad construction, and to attempt a more or less free rendering only so far as it was obviously necessary, or there was at least a high degree of probability to warrant it. There were some passages, for example, which in spite of the clear discrepancies in grammar did not fail to show what was meant. There were others which presented greater difficulty and it was only after a careful comparison of these, with other parts of the Text, and a reference to the passages in other works such as the *Āgamas*, *Purāṇas*, and a number of manuscripts on the *Śilpa-śāstra* dealing with similar matters of better construction, and easier interpretation, that I was enabled to explain their sense.