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.c30.s2: Chapter XX: The Two-Storeyed Buildings
Mānasāra Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Mānasāra-Śilpaśāstra; III. Mānasāra on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Mānasāra: Translation; V. Architecture of Mānasāra: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v4.c30.s2
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Chapter XX: The Two-Storeyed Buildings
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1. I shall now briefly describe the ornaments of the two-storeyed buildings.
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2. The breadth and the height of the (two-storeyed) edifice should be as before.
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3-8. From the plinth (*upāna*) to the small dome (*stūpi*) the height should be divided into twenty-eight parts: (of these) the height of the plinth (*ādhāra*) should be three parts, and that of the pillar six parts; the height of the entablature should be four parts and (that of) the (second) pillar above five parts; above that, upon the entablature (*mañcha*) of the (second) pillar, the height of the platform (*vedikā*) should be one part; the height of the neck should be two parts and that of the spherical roof (*śikhara*) four parts; the height of the small dome (*stūpi*) above that should be made of three parts.
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9-14. The height (from the plinth to the pinnacle) being divided into thirty-one parts, the base (*masūraka*) should be four-and-a-half parts; seven parts should be the height of the pillar, and half of that (i.e., three-and-a-half parts) the height of the entablature; the (second) base above that should be two-and-a-half parts, and the height of the small pillar four parts; half of that (i.e., two parts) should be the height of the entablature, and half of the latter (i.e., one part) the height of the small platform (*vedikā*); the height of the platform (*vedi*) should be twice that (i. e., two parts), and the height of the spherical roof (*śikhara*) four parts; the height of the small dome (*stūpi*) should be two parts; this is the second kind of two-storeyed buildings¹.
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¹ The distribution (lines 9-14) does not make up the total.
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15-17. Of the same (height of thirty-one parts) the (second) base above the edifice should be one part and a half; the small pillar above that should be five parts, and it (the roof) should be furnished with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., and the rest should be made as before; this is the third kind of two-storeyed buildings.
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18-24. The height (from the plinth to the pinnacle) should be divided into sixteen parts, (of which) the (first) base (*masūraka*) should be one part and a half; the height of the pillar should be three parts, and the entablature one part and a half; the (second) base above that should be one part, and the small pillar above that two parts; the height of the (second) entablature should be one part, and the (second) base (*masūraka*) above three-fourths of a part; the height of the small platform (*vedikā*) should be one-fourth of a part, and the height of the neck one and one-fourth parts; the height of the head (*śiras*) should be two parts and a half, and the height of the spherical roof (*śikhara*) one and one-fourth parts; the fourth kind of two-storeyed buildings is thus described.
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24-26. Of the same (height of sixteen parts) the spherical roof is known to be the same; the projection (*ālambana*) should be made of one part and a half, and furnished with the beam (*gopāna*) and other ornaments; the rest should be made as said above; this is said to be the fifth kind of two-storeyed buildings.
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27-33. Of the eleven parts of the height, the (first) base (*masū-raka*) should be one part; the height of the pillar should be three parts, and that of the entablature one part; above that should be the (second) plinth, and equal to that should be the (second) base (*masū-raka*); the height of the (second) pillar should be twice that, and the height of the entablature half of the latter; the height of the platform (*vedi*) should be equal to that, and the height of the neck one part; the height of the spherical roof (*śikhara*) should be two parts, and that of the small dome (*stūpa*) one part; the sixth kind of two-storeyed buildings is thus described.
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33–41. The seventh kind will now be described: of the eleven parts of the height, the (first) base (*masūraka*) should be one part; the height of the pillar should be two parts, and the entablature one part; above that, the (second) base (*masūraka*) of three-fourths part should be made solid; the height of the (second) pillar should be twice that, and the height of the (second) entablature half of the latter; above that the (third) pillar should be one and one fourth parts, and the height of the entablature half a part; the height of the platform (*vedikā*) should be one-fourth of a part, and the height of the neck twice that (i.e., half a part); the height of the spherical roof (*śikhara*) should be one part, and that of its finial (*śikhā*) half of that: the seventh kind of two-storeyed buildings is thus described; there should be three pillars and the side tower.
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42–43. The height being divided into one part more (i.e., twelve parts), the pedestal should be made of one part at the bottom above the base; this is known as the eighth kind of two-storeyed buildings.
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44. The projection to be measured in the rod (*daṇḍa*) measurement is described here.
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45. The projection should be outside of the aforesaid breadth as well as all around.
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46. The projection is known to be one, two, or three rods (*daṇḍa*).
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47. Otherwise it should be one, two, or three cubits.
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48–49. (Another) five varieties of projection should begin from three or four cubits and end at eleven or twelve cubits, the increment being by two cub
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50–51. (Yet another) five sets of projection should begin from five or six cubits and be increased by two to thirteen or fourteen cubits.
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52. It (the projection) should fittingly be made in (buildings of) the three types, namely, the smallest, the intermediate, and the largest (both) as regards size and volume.
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53. Otherwise the projection may be equal to or half of the width of the building.
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54. Of those divisions of the width, the pinnacles (*kūṭa*) should be made of one part each.
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55. The width of its chain (*hārā*) should be one-fourth, or half a part.
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56. The width of the middle pavilion (*madhya-śālā*)¹ should be two or three parts.
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¹ See note under lines 54-57, chapter XIX.
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57-58. On the upper storey (i.e., attic) of an edifice should be arranged the (top) pillar and outside pinnacle, etc., or something like the side-tower, or (simply) the entablature together with (bare) interspace.
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59-61. The diameter of the pillar on the second storey should be four or five *aṅgulas*; and that diameter of the (upper) pillar being divided into three, four, five, six, seven, or eight parts, the diameter at the upper portion (of the pillar) should be less by one of these parts.
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62-63. At the top of the pavilion (on the attic) there should be two pillars on the exterior side, the interspace at the middle, and (the whole attic) decorated with vestibules, windows, pavilions, domes, and pillars, etc.
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64. It (i.e., the edifice) should be ornamented at the bottom and at the top with arches, niches (*nīḍa*) and porticoes (*bhadra*).
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65-66. It (the edifice) should be furnished with various basements and pillars, with various beams (*gopāna*) and decorated with small vestibules (*nāsī*).
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67. Its special feature is its ante-chamber (with one or moreclosed sides) (*ardha-śālā*), and it is (also) furnished with a top pavilion.
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68. At its upper part, up to the end of the entablature, it should be ornamented with vestibules.
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69. The pinnacles (*kūṭa*) should be square and there should be vestibules (*nāsikā*) at the interspaces.
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70. The projection of the middle portico (*bhadra*) should be one, two, three, or four rods (*daṇḍa* of four cubits each).
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71. There should be four pavilions (*śālā*), four pinnacles (*kūṭa*) and eight chains (*hārā*) with windows (*pañjara*).
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72. The band (*veśana*) round the upper pinnacle, etc., should be one or half a rod (*daṇḍa*).
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73. At the two sides of the middle compartment, there should be the antechambers (*ardha-śālā*).
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74. Above that at the middle should be a vestibule (*nāsi*) and at its sides should be the front vestibule (*vaktra-nāsi*).
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75. At the sides of the two pavilions small vestibules should be constructed for decorative purposes.
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76. The pinnacle, the compartment, and all other members should be tastefully ornamented.
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77. The side towers should be constructed as directed above, and the rest should be made as before.
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78. The (last two, namely, the) seventh and the eighth kinds of two-storeyed buildings will now be described in detail.
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79. Their height should be two and a half times or thrice the breadth.
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80. An additional pavilion (*maṇḍapa*) should be constructed in front of the front pavilion (*maṇḍapa*).
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¹ See note under lines 54-57 chapter XIX.
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81. In these buildings the doors or windows should be constructed in the middle.
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82. At the middle of the south should be a door and in front of it should be the mid-pavilion (*madhya-maṇḍapa*).
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83. They should be furnished with four doors, and with staircases in front.
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84. The floor should be solid all over and be decorated with pinnacles (*kūṭa*) and chambers (*koshṭha*), etc.
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85. The basement and plinth (*masūraka*) should be furnished with pedestals.
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86. Above that the pillar (*pāda*) and the entablature (*mañcha*) should be furnished with three peacock's tails patterns (*barha*).
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87. The projection at the end of the edifice should be measured proportionally as (stated) before.
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88-89. The height of its pillar should be divided into six parts; the circular wall in the interior above the entablature should be made of one part less (i.e., five parts).
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90. It (i.e., the edifice) should be furnished with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., and be decorated with all ornaments.
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91. The circumambulating staircases for ascending purposes should be beautifully constructed.
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92. The rest should be made as before with images of all gods in the building.
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93-95. *Śrīkara*, *Vijaya*, *Siddha*, *Paushtika*, *Kānti*, *Prabhūta*, *Svastika*, and *Pushkala*: these are the names of the eight edifices commencing with the first; the images of the aforesaid gods should be made in all these edifices.
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96-98. Or, (to be clear), in the Vishṇu temple, the image of the god Janārdana should be at the neck (*gala*) part in the east; in the south should be the image of Vāmana (dwarf Krishṇa) or of Nara-siṁha (man-lion); (the image of) Keśava is said to be in the west, and of Śrīdhara in the north.
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99. Or the image of Brahmā (lit. grand-father) should be (generally) in the buildings of the Northern (*Nāgara*) and other styles.
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100. The wise (architect) should carve the images of all the door-gods as before.
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101-104. The images should be (made) likewise in the Śiva temple, especially in the (attached) pavilion; the image of the god Kāla (death) is said to be in the north, and the images of Kshetrapālas as well as of Kārtikeya (lit. six-faced) should be carved on the ascending steps at the base of the main edifice as also at the entrance of the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*).
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105. Images of gods should be made, as before, in all kinds of temples.
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106. Any addition or omission should be in accordance with the directions of the science of architecture (*śāstra*) mentioned above.
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107-110. The two-storeyed buildings should be (horizontally) square, round, octagonal, circular, or oval; and vertically (lit. in length) should be furnished with the head (dome) and the neck; and the ornaments, etc., should be as stated before.
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111-114. By the end of the chain (*hārā*) should be the balcony made of one or two parts, the portion above the platform (*mañcha*) should be covered, and there should be also the entablature; and for ascending the staircases should be constructed from the middle of the base of the buildings with such parts (measurement) as would make them beautiful.
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Thus in the *Mānasāra*, the science of architecture, the twentieth chapter, entitled:
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The description of the two-storeyed buildings.
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THE THREE-STOREYED BUILDINGS
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1. The setting up and the general features of the three-storeyed buildings will be described now.
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2-3. Of the six parts of the height of the edifice (*vimāna*), the plinth (*masūraka*) should be one part and a half; the height of the pillar should be twice that (i.e., three parts), and the height of the entablature half of that (i.e., one part and a half).
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4-8. The height of the upper pillar should be less than the height of the main pillar by one part; half of that should be the height of the entablature, and the base of the pillar should be twice the upper pillar; half of that should be the pillar above, and half of the latter should be the height of the platform (*vedika*) thereof; the upper fillet (*kampa*) should be twice that, and the height of the neck (*grīva*) two parts; and the remainder at the top should be the height of the finial (*śikhā*) which should be furnished with all ornaments.
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9. Above the roof (*prachchhādana*) should be a column and it (the roof) should be decorated with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc.
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10. The division of the width and height of these (three-storeyed) buildings should be made as aforesaid.
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11. The smallest type in the three-storeyed buildings is known as *śrīkānta*.
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12-21. As an alternative, the height of the three storeys should be divided into forty-nine parts: (of these) the base should be four parts, and the height of the pillar twice that (i.e., eight parts); the entablature (*mañcha*) should equal to the base (i.e., four parts), and the cavetto (*vapra*) above the entablature should be half a part; the height of the pillar above should be six and three-fourths parts; above that the height of the entablature should be one part and a half; above that the cavetto (*vapra*) should be half a part, and the pillar above that six parts; the entablature (*mañcha*) should be two parts and a half, and the band (*paṭṭikā*) above half a part; the height of the platform (*vedikā*) should be one part, and that of the neck (*grīva*) three parts; the height of the spherical roof (*śikhara*) should be twice that (six parts), and the height of the finial (*śikhā*) three parts; the rest should be made as before; this is known as *Āsana* (type of the three-storeyed buildings).
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22-30. As an alternative, the height of the three storeys should be divided into twelve parts; (of these) the plinth should be one part, and the height of the pillar two parts; half of that should be the height of the entablature, and three-fourths part the small pedestal (*pīṭhaka*) above; equal to that should be the base above, and twice that the height of the pillar; half of that should be its entablature above, and the plinth (*masūraka*) one part and a half; the height of the pillar should be one part, and that of the entablature (*mañcha*) half a part; half of that should be the height of the platform (*vedikā*), and twice that the height of the neck (*grīvā*); the head (dome) above should be twice the neck (*grīva*), and the height of the finial (*śikhā*) half of the head; the rest should be made as before: this is known as *Sukhālaya* (the pleasure-house).
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31-32. If it be furnished with a straight pavilion with twenty-two pillars (*harita*)¹ at the region of its base it is called *Kesara*.
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¹ See the writer's *Dictionary*, pages 730, 471-472; and compare *Matsya-Purāṇa*, chapter 270, v. 13.
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32-38. The *Kamalāṅga* is described here: there should be twenty-four divisions on its height and it should resemble the shape of the *Śrīkānta*; it should have windows all over but it should be without any side-tower; it should be furnished with various platforms (*vedikā*) and be decorated with various pillars; at its four quarters, doors should be constructed with mixed (various) materials; the wall (*kudya*) should be erected from the base, and above that should be furnished the pillar; it should be decorated with all ornaments; (thus) is described the *Kamalāṅga* (type of three-storeyed buildings).
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39-40. The same if furnished with side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., and decorated with platforms (*vedi*) and all other ornaments, is known as *Brahma-kānta*.
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41-49. As an alternative, the measure of the height being divided into thirty parts, the base should be two parts, and twice that (i.e., four parts) the height of the pillar; half of that (i.e., two parts) should be the height of the entablature, and the upper entablature (*mañcha*) equal to that (i e., two parts); the pillar above should be three and-a-half parts, and the entablature (*māñchaka*) one part and a half; equal to that (i.e., one and a half parts) should be the upper entablature (*mañcha*), and the pillar above three parts; the entablature should be one and one-fourth parts, and equal to that the upper entablature (*mañchaka*); half of that should be the height of the platform (*vedikā*), and equal to that the height of the neck (*kandhara*); the height of the head (*śiras*) should be twice the neck (*grīva*), and the remainder should be the height of the dome (*stūpi*); furnished with the sidetower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., it is known as *Meru-kānta*.
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50-52. The same (height, i.e., 30 parts) being increased by one, the plinth (*āsana*) at the bottom should be three parts; twice that (i.e., six parts) should be the height of the pillar, and half of that the height of the entablature; and the upper limbs should be constructed as before: this is known as *Kailāsa*.
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53. The circumambulating staircases for ascending should be constructed in this building also as before.
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54. These are said to be the eight kinds of three-storeyed buildings of the largest type.
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55. The width should be divided into a suitable number of parts, (of which) the pinnacles (*kūṭa*) should be one part each.
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56. The compartment (*koshṭha*) of the pavilion (*śālā*) in the middle (of the attic) should be constructed of two, three, or four parts.
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57. The chain (*hāra*) (on the attic) together with the windows (*pañjara*) should be made of one, two, and three parts.
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58. By one part all around the attic hall (*kūṭa-śālā*) should be made.
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59. At the end of that on the part enclosed above should be a reservoir of water.
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60. The projection of the portico (*bhadra*) is said to be one, two, or three rods (*daṇḍa*).
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61. The chain (*hārā*) and the middle-pavilion made of one-third of the former should also be furnished.
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62. They should be furnished with eight pinnacles (*kūṭa*), and eight compartments (*koshṭha*).
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63. They should be decorated with sixteen chains (*hārā*), and all sorts of ornaments.
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64. They should be furnished with various bases and decorated with various pillars.
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65. They should be ornamented with various arches, niches (*nīḍa*, lit. nests), and platforms (*vedī*).
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66. In the third storey should be the pinnacle (*kūṭa*) and compartment (*koshṭha*), etc., and the chain (*hārā*), etc., should be at the region of the neck.
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67. (Images of) all gods should be made at the region of the main pillar.
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68-70. The images of gods and goddesses (as recommended) by the ancients with all characteristic features mentioned above should be made with all care and discretion, in the region from above the neck (*grīva*) to the upper end of the finial (*śikhā*).
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71-74. At the regions of the neck (*grīva*), head (dome) and top (pinnacle) of the Vishṇu, Śiva (Īśvara), and Jaina and other temples, the images of gods fully furnished as stated before with the peculiarities of the *Nāgara* and other styles¹ should be made at the eight quarters, namely, the east, etc.
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¹ The *Nāgara* style is distinguished by its quadrangular form, the *Vesara* by its round form, and the *Drāviḍa* by its octagonal or hexagonal form (vide chapters LIII. 76, 100, 46-47; XXVI. 75; XVIII 90—102). According to the *Vishṇu-dharmottara* (part III, chapter 41), which is a supplement to the *Vishṇu-purāṇa*, paintings are divided into four classes, namely, the *Satya*, *Vainika*, *Nāgara*, and *Miśra*. The square form of the *Nāgara* style has been recognized here also. This point seems to have been missed both by Stella Kramrisch in her ‘A treatise on Indian Painting and Image-making’ (second edition, 1928, pages 8, 51) and by A. K. Coomaraswamy in his article ‘*Nāgara* Painting’ (“*Rupam*” no. 37, January, 1929). For references to the *Āgamas* and other works see the writer’s *Dictionary*, pp. 299f.
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Thus in the *Mānasāra*, the science of architecture, the twenty-first chapter, entitled:
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The description of the three-storeyed buildings
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THE FOUR-STOREYED BUILDINGS
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1. The setting up and the features of the four-storeyed buildings will be described now.
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2. The breadth, the height, and the division (*bhakti*) (thereof) should be made as before.
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3-11. Of the nineteen parts of the height, the height of the plinth (*masūraka*) should be one part and a half; twice that should be the height of the pillar, and half of that the height of the entablature; the height of the pillar above that should be one and three-fourths parts or two parts; the height of its entablature should be one part, and the pillar (above) one and three-fourths parts; the entablature (*mañcha*) above should be three-fourths of a part, and the pillar above twice that; half of that (the latter) should be the height of the entablature, and the platform (*vedikā*) should be constructed of half a part; the height of the neck (*gala*) should be one part, and that of the head (*śiras*) two parts; half of that should be the height of the small dome (*stūpi*): from the bottom upwards should be made (these members); decorated with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., it is said to be the *Vishṇu-kānta*.
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12-23. The height being divided into forty-two parts, the plinth should be three parts, and twice that the height of the pillar; the height of the entablature should be three parts, and the pillar above six parts; the entablature (*mañcha*) should be two parts and a half, and the height of the pillar (above) four parts and a half; half of that should be the height of the entablature (thereof), and the pillar (above) three and three-fourths parts; the entablature (thereof) should be three parts, and the height of the platform (*vedikā*) half of that; the height of the neck (*gala*) should be two parts, and the height of the head (*mastaka*) four parts; and the height of the small dome (*stūpi*) should be two parts, and particularly at its (dome's) bottom the surrounding balcony (*alinda*) should be constructed of one part of the width; beyond that it (the balcony) should extend by one part the top of the main pillar; it should be enriched with the basement, and the other features, and be decorated with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc.; and it should be furnished with all ornaments: this is said to be the *Chatur-mukha*.
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24-32. The height should be divided into forty-one parts; (of this) the height of the plinth (*masūraka*) should be half a part; the height of the pillar should be five parts, and half of that the height of the entablature; the pillar above should be four parts, and the entablature two parts; the pillar above should be four and a half parts, and half of that the height of the entablature; above that the pillar should be three parts, and the entablature (*mañcha*) above one part and a half; the height of the platform (*vedikā*) should be one part, and that of the neck (*grīvā*) twice that; the spherical roof (*śikhara*) should be four parts, and the remainder the height of the finial (*śikhā*); at the bottom should be made four doors and the other features as before; it should be decorated with all ornaments: this is called the *Sadā-śiva*.
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33-42. The height of the building being divided into thirty-two parts, the height of the plinth should be two parts, and twice that the height of the pillar; the height of the entablature (*mañcha*) should be four parts, and the base (*masūraka*) above one part; above that the pillar should be four parts, and half of that the height of the beam (or entablature) (*gopāna*); above that, the base (*kuṭṭima*) should be one part, and the height of the pillar two parts and a half; the height of the entablature should be one and one-fourth parts, and the base (*masūraka*) above three-fourths of a part; the pillar should be two and one-fourth parts, and the height of the entablature one part; half of that should be the height of the platform (*vedikā*), and the height of the neck (*gala*) one part and a half; the height of the spherical roof (*śikhara*) should be three parts, and half of that the height of the head (*śiras*); it should be decorated with the sidetowers (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., this is called the *Rudra-kānta*.
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43-45. Of this (i.e., *Īśvara-kānta*) building (too), the lower parts (i.e, bottom) should be made as before; it should be furnished with four doors and a portico (*bhadra*) made of one part; and its plinth, etc., should be furnished in order: this is called the *Īśvara-kānta*.
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46-56. The height should be divided into fifteen parts; (of this) the plinth (*masūraka*) should be three parts; the height of the pillar should be six parts, and that of the entablature three parts; equal to that should be the upper entablature (*mañcha*), and the cage-(pillar) (*pañjara*) above that one part; half of that should be the height of the entablature, and the upper entablature (*mañcha*) two parts; the height of the platform (*vedikā*) should be one part, and that of the neck (*gala*) two parts and a half; the upper pillar should be four parts, and the height of the entablature two parts; above that the entablature (*mañcha*) should be half a part, and the pillar four parts and a half; half of that should be the height of the entablature, and one-fourth of a part the entablature (*mañchaka*) above; the height of the platform (*vedikā*) should be one part, and that of the neck (*gala*) two parts and a half; the height of the head (*mastaka*) should be five parts, and the remainder should be the height of the pitcher (*kumbha*); it should be decorated with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc.: this is called the *Mañcha-kānta*;
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57-58. The same with a tower (*vimāna*) at the top (of the sanctuary) and a platform (*vedikā*), being decorated with all ornaments and the rest being made as before is (called) the *Vedi-kānta*.
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59-87. The (whole) height being divided into twenty-six parts, the height of the plinth (*masūraka*) should be one part and a half; the height of the pillar should be eleven parts, and half of that the height of the entablature; the base should be one and one-fourth parts, and the height of the pillar two parts and a half; half of that should be the height of the entablature, and the base (*masūraka*) above that one part; the height of the pillar should be two parts, and that of the entablature (*mañcha*) one part; the pillar should be two parts minus one-fourth, and half of that the height of the entablature; the height of the pillar should be one and one-fourth parts, and half of that the height of the entablature; above that the pillar should be one part, and the height of the entablature half a part; equal to that should be the height of the platform (*vedi*), and the height of the neck (*grīvā*) one part; the height of the spherical roof (*śikhara*) should be two parts, and the remainder the height of the dome (*stūpi*). The (images of) gods should be installed at the bottom, middle, and top. On the top of that (edifice) should be made the roof resembling a sphere (*śikhara*) in the fourth storey. Of the suitable width four external parts at the bottom should be covered; or this (covered portion) may be half of or equal to the (whole) width; that should be decided in accordance with one's discretion. The base, the pillar, and the entablature: these three (principal) members, as well as the pinnacle over the pavilion on the attic (*śālā-kūṭa*) and the chain (*hārā*) should be fittingly made in their own place; it should be decorated (all over) from the bottom (upwards) with all kinds of ornaments befitting the main edifice; it (the building) should be furnished with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., made of two parts at the top; optionally, with the half of the width an enclosure may be made around; the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*) should be made of one part, and inside that should be the reservoir of water; optionally, the expert (architect) should make the balcony (*alinda*) covering two parts; the two parts above (that) beyond the breadth should be covered as before; the end of that should be made as before; the parts are thus ornamented; it should be furnished with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., made of one part around; the balconies (*alinda*) should be made around with one part, and at their top should be the reservoirs of water; beyond that also all the limbs should be furnished with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc.;
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the length of the pavilion (*śālā*) at the middle (of the attic) should be made of two parts; the pinnacles (*kūṭa*) should be made of one part each, and with the remainder the chain (*hārā*) together with the window (*pañjara*) : this is called the *Indra-kānta* of the smallest, the intermediate, and the largest types.
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88\. It should be furnished with pavilions (*maṇḍapa*) in the front as well as at the right side.
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89-90. The staircases should be made from the middle of the front ascending towards the top in the case of human dwellings; they should be attached to the rest of the wall at its middle (proceeding) upwards.
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91\. The rest is directed to be as before; these are said to be the eight kinds (of setting of the four-storeyed edifices).
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92\. The temples of all gods should be (made) in the smallest, the intermediate, and the largest types.
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93\. In cases of others (i.e., residential buildings) the aforesaid measures should be fittingly made: such has been directed by the ancients.
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94-97. With various bases, pillars, and roofs of many kinds; with pinnacles, nests (niches), pavilions, porticoes, and various sanctuaries supported by eight columns; with many small vestibules various attic windows, platforms, arches, large vestibules and windows; with (various) compartments, the (images of the) gods who are the masters of the sanctuary, (as well as) the heavenly anchorites (*Vidyādhara*) the decoration should be completed.
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98-101. In the smallest, the intermediate, and the largest types of temples of Śiva, Vishṇu, Jina, and others, the images of Dakshiṇā, Nāra-siṁha, and all other gods mentioned above should be made.
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102-105. All these images, namely, of Dakshiṇā and others, should be made at the bottom of the buildings of one and more storeys, and (also) at the neck because of its prominence the wise (architect) should discreetly make the images of all gods.
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Thus in the *Mānasāra*, the science of architecture, the twenty-second chapter, entitled:
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The description of the four-storeyed buildings.
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THE FIVE-STOREYED BUILDINGS
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1. The setting up and the general features of the five-storeyed buildings will be described now.
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2-3. Having made as mentioned above the division in the breadth and the height of the smallest, the intermediate and the largest types, the wise (architect) should construct the five-storeyed buildings.
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4-12. Of the twenty-four parts of the height, the plinth (*masūraka*) should be one part and a half; the height of the pillar should be four parts, and that of the entablature one part and a half; the pillar should be two and one fourth parts, and the entablature (*mañcha*) above one part; above that the pillar should be two parts, and the height of the entablature one part; the pillar should be one and three-fourths parts, and the height of the entablature one part; half of that should be the height of the platform (*vedikā*), and the height of the neck (*gala*) one part; the head (*mastaka*) should be two parts and a half, and remainder the height of the finial (*śikhā*); it should be furnished with the side-tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., and be decorated with all kinds of ornaments up to the height of the neck: this is called the *Airāvata*.
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13-15. The very same, with projections in the four directions extending by half the width and the three storeys being erected suitably on the four sides, is known to be the *Bhūta-kānta* in the five-storeyed buildings.
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16-18. As before the portico (*bhadra*) should be made of three-fourths of a part in width, the storeys should be constructed (one above the other) in the four directions, and it should be decorated with the side-tower (*karṇaharmya*): this is known as the *Viśva-kānta* in the five-storeyed buildings.
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19-24. Optionally, the dwelling houses should be constructed in the four quarters in proportion to the width; thereat from end to end between any two of the three main edifices the corridor (*antarāla*) should be made; the staircases should be made at the side all around; and the door should be fittingly opened; (of these three edifices) the central one should be five-storeyed, and one four-storeyed and one two-storeyed (at its two-sides); the five storeyed one should be built as before: this is called the *Mūrti-kānta*.
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25-26. The very same, with the two side edifices being built in the intermediate quarters and the main edifice being built as before is called the *Gṛiha-kānta*.
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27-29. Sixteen auxiliary buildings should be built round the outside of this; the number of houses on its four sides should be like those of the *Gṛiha-kānta* and other edifices; (and) when there are twenty-five pedestals it is called the *Yama-kānta*.
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30-32. The same with twenty-four buildings around the outside (and) the number of houses on the four sides being same as those of the *Gṛiha-kānta* and other edifices, and being five-storeyed it is called the *Mahā-kānta*.
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33-34. The same, with the number of buildings on the four sides being same as those of the *Gṛiha-kānta* and other edifices, and being furnished with five storeys, it is called the *Kalyāṇa*.
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35-41. The width of the corridor (*antarāla*) should be equal to, or half, or three-fourths of, or (preferably) equal to (that of) the edifice (*prāsāda*); or (this will be described) in the cubit measurement: the width of the corridor (*antarāla*) should begin from three or four cubits and end at nine or ten, the increment being by two cubits; in the corridor should be suitably built something like the pavilion (*maṇḍapa*); or the front and the two sides of the main edifice should be furnished with three pinnacles (*kūṭa*); it should be (partly) one-storeyed and (partly) of more than one storey: this is called the *Yajña-kānta*.
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42-43. When there are thirty (auxiliary) buildings of one, two or three storeys, (and the main edifice is) of five storeys, and it is decorated with all ornaments, it is called the *Brahma* (*-kānta*).
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44. These are said to be the eight kinds, the remaining (details) being carried out as before.
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45. They should be furnished with spherical roofs (*śikhara*), etc., and be of uniform shape.
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46. The temples of all gods should be built in the same way.
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47-50. All such buildings should be furnished in the four quarters with pinnacles (*kūṭa*), attic pavilions (*śālā*), vestibules (*nāsikā*), and windows (*pañjara*), etc.; and then (again) all those buildings mentioned above should be suitably furnished with various theatre-like courtyards (*raṅga*), and verandahs and balconies (*alinda*).
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Thus in the *Mānasāra*, the science of architecture, the twenty third chapter, entitled:
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The description of the five-storeyed buildings.
Linked texts (4)
- Matsyapurāṇa — Vyāsa, Sanskrit
- Mānasāra — Sanskrit
- Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa — Sanskrit
- Viṣṇupurāṇa — Vyāsa, Sanskrit