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.s23.4

v6.c41.s23.4

This essential feature of Chinese art has defaced all individuality to the temples of the Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianist. Thus, ‘externally the temples are nearly all of the same type, and it is only from their interior decoration and by the statues placed in them that any distinction can be made.' Even the Muhammadan mosques are 'all in general form identical with the Buddhist and other temples, and can only be distinguished by their external decoration with texts from the *Quran*, and are not even to be recognized by the minaret, which in other countries has been their chief characteristic feature.' There is also no essential distinction between sacred and secular work. Thus 'the temple, the tomb, and the dwelling are symbolically repetitions of each other.'