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) v7.c44.6

v7.c44.6

Apart from supplying cultural and historical information these volumes contain a key which when understood may help the tackling of Indian housing problems. It has been shewn and recognized by discerning authorities that whatever elements have been introduced to India by the Persians, Moghals, Pathans, and the Europeans, have failed to suit the Indian climatic and soil conditions. Neither the desert houses of Arabia nor the rain-coats and the snow covers of European countries can ever suit the peculiar conditions of India. Experience of generations and experiments of centuries are contained in our *Vāstu-śāstras* (science of architecture). Like the Indian dietary of predominantly vegetarian dishes and Indian clothes of loose types, Indian houses of our Śāstra (scientific) styles are naturally more suitable for us. A wide dissemination of an accurate knowledge of true Indian architecture as revealed for the first time in these volumes must be the first step of the housing reform in India.