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.c42.s1.20

v6.c42.s1.20

The translation of a work of this type presents endless difficulties, and the utmost credit is due to the author for the energy with which he has reckoned with the problems presented by the text. Even the most cursory examination shows how impossible it is without the aid of the translation and the explanations given in the *Dictionary* to understand with any precision the directions of the text. An indispensable adjunct to the translation and the *Dictionary* alike is afforded by the volume of illustrations of architectural and structural objects. It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of this feature of the work. The author describes the difficulties which he experienced in obtaining the means of producing these illustrations, and our most grateful thanks are due to Mr. H. Hargreaves, who placed at the disposal of Professor Acharya the services of Mr. S. C. Mukherji, a graduate in Sanskrit, who had received training in the methods and principles of Græco-Roman and modern architecture. The material is now available for an investigation of the question whether the extant monuments of Hindu architecture are based on the methods and principle which are set forth in the *Mānasāra*. It is interesting to note that the greatest difficulties were experienced in securing the services of a Silpin to supply the sculptural drawings in line and in colours. It is hoped that the same artist may be available to execute the remaining sculptural drawings, some three hundred in number.