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.c39.201

v6.c39.201

Although the arts like architecture, sculpture, poetry and music had their origin in the religion of the Christians and the Hindus in connexion with the form of worship, which is based on love, these arts, along with the others of the above list, became later entirely secular, and developed in various ways. In the *Kāma-sūtra* the arts have nothing to do with religion. Their object is neither salvation (*moksha*) nor ritualistic observances (*dharma*), but merely the gratification of material desires and sensual love. Cookery or perfumery, dancing or singing, painting or powdering, jugglery or physical exercise, gardening or weaving is undertaken to earn money or to enjoy oneself. This fact, as noticed above, has been repeatedly pointed out by the commentator Yaśodhara. In fact, material desires and sensual love can be nourished only by those who consider themselves ever young and immortal; in other words, no artistic matter can be cultivated by those who are in the grasp of death and decay.