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.s25.273.2

v6.c41.s25.273.2

The *atesh-gah*, having no affinity to a Hindu Buddhist, or Jain temple, is ‘the sole monumental type and representative of religious architecture in Persia.’ This consists of ‘three altars, with very salient horns, which rise upon a block of masonry; between the pillars at the angle, two parallel flights approach laterally the landing place that led to the platform.’ The remains of the plans of villages, cities, and forts are also scanty. ‘When Alexander invaded the country of Persia there were no walled cities.’ ‘The fortification works consisted of a deep broad ditch, full of water, communicating with the Shaur and a double rampart. Behind the second rampart ran a path. . . . The enceinte was not furnished with bastions. . . . Towers had been distributed at the crenelated summits of the fortress.’ This would look like the scheme adopted at Babylonia and Assyria, rather than in India. Of the civil architecture in Persia fragmentary information of certain unstoreyed halls and palaces only are available. They are divided, as stated before, into three types, the open-roofed, the walled throne-room, and inhabited palace. They were in capital cities, Ecbatana, Susa, Persepolis, and in lesser centres where the kings stopped a few days to escape from the extreme cold and heat.