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.c37.58

v6.c37.58

¹ In the construction of the Svastika Mansion, with its covered area of 11,361 (6495+4670+196) sq. ft., the total cost, including that of land, masonry retaining walls on both sides of some 800 feet long drain, and some 500 yards cement-concrete roads, is approaching a sum of six figures. It, however, does not represent a correct estimate on the house alone. That could be more accurately calculated on the basis of the following amount and quality of materials used, which would vary according to the size of similar houses, and in consideration of prices and rates which must necessarily vary in different places. (Smaller houses, retaining the *Mānasāra* style, can be built at much lesser cost, still less if cheaper materials are used) : Bricks, 732,720 (first class 503,132, second class 181,339, third class 48,259). Brick ballast, 9,651 c.ft. Stone ballast, 3,488 c.ft. Cement, 1,186 bags (about 60 tons). White lime, 1,913 maunds 36 seers. Kankar lime, 3,398 c.ft. Sand, 9,754 c.ft. Cinders, 24,133 c.ft. Surki, 425 c.ft. Iron— Joists, 127 maunds 36 seers. Rods, 279 maunds 20 seers. Miscellaneous, 68 maunds 35 seers. Railings, 38 maunds 28 seers. Gates, 33 maunds 35 seers. Wire net, 1,037 sq. ft. Wood— Burma teak (B.B.T.C.L.), 4,016 sq. ft. for shutters, 117 c.ft. for frames. C. P. teak, 45 c. ft. for kitchen block. Nepal sal, 296 c.ft. for kitchen block and outhouses. Glass—diamond cut, 408 sq. ft. (for windows of main structure), and ordinary 286 sq.ft. (for windows of kitchen block, etc.). Door fittings, polish, etc., Rs. 663-9-6. Precast mosaic tiles, 5,351 sq. ft. Marble tiles, 212 sq. ft. Marble chips, 549 lb. Colours and paints, 924 lb. Labour (including masons, carpenters, and labourers), Rs. 9,902-1-9. Cost of drawings, Rs. 34. Cost on estimator, Rs. 544-2-6. Architect’s travelling allowance, Rs. 43-11. Miscellaneous things, Rs. 590-9-9. Water-pipes and bathroom fittings, Rs. 1,063-12. Electric installation and fittings and lightning conductors, Rs. 1,985-2-6. *N.B.*—Design in outline was supplied free by the architect, Mr. S. C. Mukerjee ; the elaboration of the original plan, the supervision of construction, control of labour, purchase of materials, and keeping of accounts were carried out by the writer himself.