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.c39.199

v6.c39.199

The *Vedas*, which are the fundamental scriptures of Hinduism, have been recognized as first-class poetic productions, full of life, vigour and beauty. Thus the Hindu mind could not think but in poetry. Excepting the commentaries and explanatory notes as represented by the *Brāhmaṇas*, the *Sūtras*, and one or two other branches of literature, poetry has been the vehicle of expression everywhere else, including lexicons, law-books, political sciences, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, architecture, sculpture, painting, singing, dancing, even histories, not to speak of epic works, lyrics and dramas. Poetry can be woven only by the hand of youth in an atmosphere of beauty, whatsoever might be its nature, whatsoever might be its subject-matter and whatsoever might be its leading sentiment, either of love or laughter, pathetic or furious, heroic or terrible, expressing disgust or wonder, filial affection or spiritual resignation. Human love has always been a theme of Hindu poetry.