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.c40.s12.t14: Chapter XXXIX: The Measurement of Doors (Dvāra-māna-vidhāna)
Mānasāra Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Mānasāra-Śilpaśāstra; III. Mānasāra on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Mānasāra: Translation; V. Architecture of Mānasāra: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v6.c40.s12.t14
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Chapter XXXIX: The Measurement of Doors (Dvāra-māna-vidhāna)
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The common rule is that the height of a door should be twice its breadth. But various alternative measurements are also given. The height of the larger doors may vary from 1½ cubits (*hasta*) to 7 cubits, the increment being by 6 *aṅgulas*. The height of the smaller doors varies from one cubit to three cubits, the increment being by 3 *aṅgulas*. In the former case, therefore, we have twenty-three, in the latter seventeen, varieties of dimensions.
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These dimensions are prescribed for doors in the *jāti* class of buildings. But other measurements are given for doors in houses of the *chhanda*, *vikalpa* and *ābhāsa* classes. The alterative dimensions are modified by the application of the *shaḍ-varga* formulas.
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The door-posts and other parts of the door are then described at great length. Doors are generally of double leaves, but those of single leaf are also mentioned.
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Doors are profusely decorated with foliated and floral ornaments. The images of Gaṇeśa, Sarasvatī, and other deities should be carved over the entrance.
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The Royal Palace (*Rāja-griha-vidhāna*)
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Palaces are divided into nine classes with regard to their size, according as they may belong to a king of any of the nine classes enumerated in the next chapter. Each class of palaces, whether of a *chakravartin*, *mahārāja*, *narendra*, *maṇḍaleśa*, etc., admits of nine sizes. For each one of the nine main classes it is further laid down that it should consist of a certain number of halls (*śālā*). Thus the palace of the *chakravartin*, universal monarch or emperor, should have from one to seven halls; that of the *adhirāja* (or *mahārāja*) from one to six halls; that of the *narendra* from one to five halls, and so forth.
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Then the location of the various palace buildings is minutely described on the basis of the *Paramasādhika* plan explained in Chapter VII called *Padavinyāsa*.
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The *Brahma-pīṭha* is installed in the *Brahma-sthāna*, the square in the centre. The main palace of each of the nine classes of kings is then located in some of the remaining square—Indra, Varuṇa, Yama, Pushpadanta, etc. Among the other palace buildings enumerated we find mention of the residences of the queens, the princesses, and the private council-hall.
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Other buildings, which are necessary adjuncts to the dwelling of an Indian king, are the coronation pavilion (*abhisheḱādi-maṇḍapa*), the arsenal (*āyudhālaya*), the store-house (*vastū-nikshepa-maṇḍapa*), the house for keeping ornaments (*bhūshaṇālaya*), the dining-hall (*bhojana-maṇḍapa*), the kitchen (*pāchanālaya*), the flower pavilion (*pushpa-maṇḍapa*), the baths (*majjanālaya*), the bed-chamber (*śayanālaya*), and several others. These all belong to the inner part (*antaḥ-śālā*) of the palace.
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In the outer part (*bahiḥ-śālā*) are situated the residences of the crown prince (*yuvarāja*), of the family priest (*purohita*), of the ministers and others, likewise the hall of public audience (*āsthāna-maṇḍapa*), temples, etc.
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Pleasure-gardens, flower gardens, groves, tanks, etc., are assigned their proper places. Stables for horses, elephants, and cow-sheds, etc., are generally made near the main gate. Other animals, which are kept within the royal enclosure, are rams, cocks, deer, and antelopes, monkeys, tigers, and peacocks. Pavilions to witness ram-fights and cock-fights (*mesha-yuddhārtha-maṇḍapa*, *kukkuṭa-yuddha-maṇḍapa*)
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are specially mentioned. The jail (*kārāgāra*) is located in a rather out-of-the-way place, such as the *bhṛiśa* or the *antariksha* part. At the end of the chapter it is stated that, for the rest, the arrangement is left to the choice of the king and to the discretion of the architects.