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.s5.8

v4.c29.s5.8

Chapter XII deals with the foundations whereupon buildings, villages, and tanks are built. The foundation is excavated up to the depth of man's height with uplifted arms in the rocky or sandy ground as may be available and best suited to the structure to be erected. It is laid down that the bottom of the pit should be rocky or watery. The different materials to fill up the pit and various processes and measures are specified in great detail. The gist of the directions on foundations may be best expressed *mutatis mutandis* in the words of Vitruvius: 'When we are satisfied with the spot fixed on for the site of the city . . . the irfoundations should be carried down to a solid bottom, if such can be found, and should be built thereon of such thickness as may be necessary for the proj[ecting] [s]upport of that part of the wall which stands above the natural level of the ground. They should be of the soundest workmanship and materials, and of greater thickness than the walls above. If solid ground can be come to, the foundations should go down to it and into it, according to the magnitude of the work, and the sub-struction be built up as solid as possible. Above the ground of the foundation, the wall should be one-half thicker than the column it is to receive so that the lower parts which carry the greatest weight, may be stronger than the upper part . . . . Nor must the mouldings of the bases of the columns project beyond the solid. Thus, also, should be regulated the thickness of all walls above ground. The intervals between the foundations brought up under the columns, should be either rammed down hard or arched, so as to prevent the foundation piers from swerving. If solid ground cannot be come to, and the ground be loose or marshy, the place must be excavated, cleared, and either elder, olive or oak piles, previously charred, must be driven with a machine, as close to each other as possible, and the intervals between the piles filled with charcoal. The heaviest foundations may be laid on such a base.'