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.s5.28

v4.c29.s5.28

Chapter XXXV deals with the 'Storeyed Mansions' which consist of rows of buildings varying from one to ten. The blocks of buildings varying in number of storeys up to twelve are artistically joined up. They are classified under six main groups called *Daṇḍaka*, *Svastika*, *Maulika*, *Chaturmukha*, *Sarvatobhadra*, and *Vardhamāna*. Each of these is again sub-divided into several types: the arrangement of the *Daṇḍaka* mansion, for instance, is described under eight varieties. The *Daṇḍaka* is an isolated mansion and consists of a single row of buildings and would look like a stick (*daṇḍaka*). The *Svastika* mansion is plough-shaped and consists of two rows of buildings. The *Maulika* mansion is shaped like a winnowing basket and consists of three rows of buildings. The *Chaturmukha* mansion is four-faced and consists of four rows of buildings. The *Sarvatobhadra* mansion consists of seven rows of buildings, and the *Vardhamāna* of ten rows of buildings. These huge buildings are naturally meant for kings, to the nine classes of whom they are assigned in accordance with the importance of the mansions and the rank of the king. But they are also stated to be used by the Gods, the Brahmans, the Kshatriyas, the Vaiśyas, the Śūdras, the ascetics, the hermits, the priests, the Buddhists, the warriors fighting with the help of the horse, the elephant, and the chariot, the artists and the courtesans. Their lay-out, architectural members with dimensions, ornaments, and other details are fully described.