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.s23.28

v6.c41.s23.28

As has already been stated, ‘there is virtually no difference in the architectural design of the temples and palaces.’ In both cases the halls and palaces consist of a number of pavilions rather than of numerous suites of apartments and halls. ‘The resemblance of temple and palace is further accentuated by the fact that in front of the great hall of the palace in the Forbidden City are similar platforms, with the triple terrace, balustrade, and flights of steps, which have been described in the Temple of Heaven and the Tomb of Yunglo.’ In this Forbidden City the buildings are all of one storey, surmounted with the same type of roof as that employed in temples, and facing the south. But according to their importance, their height differs. ‘The three principal halls are the Hall of Highest Peace (built in 1602–1722) where levees are held on special occasions, the Hall of Central Peace, and the Hall of Secure Peace. The first is the most important and it is preceded by a gateway and has nine bays instead of eleven on the main front. It is raised on a platform with a triple terrace, balustrade, and flights of steps.’²