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) v6.c37.48

v6.c37.48

concrete slabs in place of the roofs of natural stone slabs, as prescribed in the texts. These slabs are supported by steel-girders that are converted by plaster to look like the prescribed wooden beams, which, in many places, would be uneconomical in these days. In the same way, stone concrete slabs have been used for the-sloping roofs which surround the whole of the main structure above the door and window levels in all the three storeys. These sloping roofs, incidentally, serve as rain-protectors and have given a very pleasing effect to the structure. In a like manner, stone concrete lintels just above the door-level run throughout the outer and inner walls, and will serve as earthquake bands, because the first-class brick walls are thus held fast between the roof slabs and the lintel slabs. They themselves have been mortared by well-ground lime and cinder, which has been found by experiment to be better than cement-sand mortar in dry climates with very scanty rainfall. Well-seasoned Burma teak of the B.B.T.C.L. brand has, however, been carved for the doors and the window frames, which latter have been panelled with diamond cut glasses of ancient design. Similarly, the floors have been laid upon a concrete bed, resting on sand and brick-soling, of precast mosaic tiles of various artistic colours and designs in order to economize the cost of coloured marble tiles, which have been used only in the reception hall.