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.c47.3260

v7.c47.3260

It consists of two main parts : the auditorium (prekshā-gṛiha) and the stage (raṅga-maṇḍapa). The former faces the latter and is one storey (bhūmi) lower in situation. The auditorium supplies the seating arrangement which varies in accordance with the shape of the theatre and in consideration of its being attached to a temple, or palace, or built independently for the use of the general public. In an open variety of the theatre built in the courtyard of a temple ‘all kinds of seats are assigned for ordinary, special, and occasional uses to Chakravartin and other classes of kings, as well for the gods, to be seated together with their consorts, as also for the accommodation of ordinary people.’ (*Mānasāra*, XLVII, 26–29). In a closed variety of the palace theatre the seating arrangement is more specifically shown. The first row corresponding to stall and facing the stage is occupied in the centre by the court ladies (varāṅganā) having the learned courtiers on their right and the bards on their left. Immediately behind the court ladies is the royal seat, on the left of which seats are reserved for the harem (antaḥpura) and on the right is the seat for the chief queen and others. The stage proper consists of raṅga-śīrsha (stage-front), raṅga-pīṭha (the place immediately behind for acting), and nepathya-gṛiha (green-room). It is shaped like a mountain cave and have two floors. The upper floor or the platform (vedikā) is made of wood, and the surrounding walls, of bricks.