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.c41.s17.t3.1

v6.c41.s17.t3.1

The foundation of the city of Angkor Thom was laid by the first king, Jayavarman II (802–869), but not completed or occupied till the reign of Yaśovarman (889–910), the fourth king. This long period of a hundred years required for its construction is indicated by the greatness of the city, its palaces, temples, roads, and bridges. ‘The city measured close upon 10,000 feet east to west, and 9,600 feet from north to south, giving a perimeter of 7½ miles to the enclosure walls. Those walls, about 22 feet high, were surrounded by a moat, 300 feet wide, and entered through five gates, one on the north, south, and west sides, and two on the east, the most important, called the Gate of Victory, leading to the palace.’³ It was of what is called the *svastika* (cruciform) plan in the *Mānasāra* and other *Śilpa-śāstras*. It consisted of a central gateway, 52 feet square, with recessed angles and side wings. Three towers, with Brahmā masks on the four sides of each, rose above the central gateway and the side wings. The walls of the city were also of very great extent and of dimensions commensurate with its importance. Unfortunately no other details of the city proper are available.