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.s25.285

v6.c41.s25.285

A rigorous purity of style need not be strictly adhered to for practical or asthetic reasons. Such a conservative spirit may only gratify a profoundly national bigot. It cannot enhance the real importance of a great national art. Even to preserve artistic design and symbolic significance it will not be a practical proposition to lose sight of the adaptability of Hindu architecture for modern requirements. For neither the aspect of the existing towns and villages which have been haphazardly laid out, owing to political reasons, nor the external orientation and internal disposition of dwelling-houses erected unscientifically, owing to social and economic conditions, can be materially altered unless a catastrophe like an earthquake occurs frequently. Both commonsense and the ancient authorities, however, emphasize the aspect of sites and the orientation of buildings as the most essential factors in architecture. Provided the scientific calculation of strength and harmony and proportion of the component and auxiliary members, on which both stability and beauty depend, be maintained, there can be no harm if there be a modification by addition, omission, or alteration of the pillars and pilasters, doors and windows, arches and porches, balconies and verandahs, steps and staircases, parapets and crowning domes in order to suit different tastes and purses. Mouldings and ornamental sculptures are objects of individual taste and can be altered if the modification does not lead to incongruity.