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.s1.91

v6.c42.s1.91

Although it is impossible to be perfectly certain of the interpretation of all the terms used in the *Mānasāra*, Dr. Acharya has felt that an endeavour should be made to illustrate as far as possible the architectural and sculptural forms detailed therein, and the fifth volume consists of 157 plates. For these he has naturally had to rely upon others, but has been fortunate in obtaining for the preparation of those illustrating sculpture and ornament the assistance of K. S. Siddhalingaswamy, 'A Silpin by heredity,' and a master working to the living Sastraic tradition, whose drawings, eleven of them in colour, seem thoroughly in keeping with the spirit of the text. For most of the architectural illustrations he is indebted to Mr. S. C. Mukerji, a trained architect and a graduate in Sanskrit, whose 121 line drawings are a praiseworthy attempt to interpret the very difficult text. In general he has done this with success, but the staircase in Plate xcix appears too European in style, the Bengali roof of the canopied throne of Plate cxxx, and the foiled arch of the late Mughal type of the *Pushpa-torana* on Plate cxxxii are more than doubtful for so early a period as that assigned to the *Mānasāra*, while the representation of the *Kalpa-vriksha* on Plate cxxxv deviates from the text description of this wonder-working tree, of which an early sculptural example exists in the Indian Museum, Calcutta, and inspiration for which might have been sought in the garlanded trees of the Bharhut and Sanchi gateways and railings.