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.s25.253

v6.c41.s25.253

IN THE WAKE of political evolution the march of economic and social matters is natural and irresistible. Thus a movement to improve the present state of our housing and town-planning, if not our clothing and food also, should be welcome both to thinkers and practical men alike. Political freedom, just for its own sake, could have no meaning. But no real improvement can be based upon either national hatred or racial antagonism. It must proceed from an impartial study of history and a true perspective. The dictum, 'the best international is he who is profoundly national' (appearing in a circular letter from the chief organizer of a new school of Indian architecture), should be altered into 'the best national is he who is profoundly international.' For, otherwise, no real improvement can ever be effected. If our aim is nothing more than to try to revive what we had in the hoary past, irrespective of the changes the world has undergone in the meantime, we must be prepared for self-deception, both in practice and in principle. In order to be 'profoundly national' it would be impracticable, if not ungenerous and ungrateful, to start with an idea of disregarding everything foreign. It will also be a wrong policy to start with an exaggerated notion and prejudiced interpretation of historical facts. The above circular letter contains the following survey, which needs a dispassionate analysis and examination in order to realize the importance of India's past architecture and the possibilities of a future one: