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.c37.9.1

v6.c37.9.1

In this volume an endeavour has been made to give a brief survey of Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad. Materials are, however, not yet quite sufficient to attempt a full and complete history of the building activities of the Hindus in India itself. Architecture, in ancient India, was understood in a comprehensive sense, and included sculpture and a variety of other arts. In the preliminary section of the *Mānasāra* the ancient authorities themselves discussed the allied subjects. In the Introductory chapter of this volume a short account is given of what was understood as fine arts. Many of the fine arts are intimately connected with architecture. Thus a full history of Hindu architecture will be incomplete without a complete survey of all the allied arts. Besides, Hindu architecture was cultivated with success not only in its homeland and in its neighbouring countries, but also in far off colonies and apparently disconnected and distant countries. It has been now admitted by competent authorities that the Maya civilization of Central America spread from India, the motherland of the Maya clans, who, in the times of the great Epics, were known as *Dānavas* or opponents of Aryan invaders of India.