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.c49.66

v7.c49.66

As a pioneer work, it will hold its place high amongst the recent publications of Indology. As a pioneer work again the author, let us hope, will take constant note of friendly suggestions with a view to enhance the scientific value of this lexicon. While comparisons with European treatises on Architecture (e.g. Vitruvius) are interesting it is more useful to make each term shine indubitably out of a comprehensive juxtaposition of pertinent texts found, published or noticed anywhere in India, with a special eye on *local* peculiarities and their correlation with *regional* style. Rich materials are still lying idle in the latest publications of the Trivandrum Sanskrit Series (e.g. *Mañjuśrī-mūla-kalpa* or *Tantra*, translated into Tibetan) and in the Gaekwad Sanskrit Series (e.g. *Samarangaṇa-Sūtradhara* and *Mānasollāsa*, etc.). So Laufer's Monograph on *Chitralakshana* seems not to have been utilized. But the more serious omission is perceptible in another field which has furnished some of the noblest specimen of Indian architecture. I mean the field of Greater India where we meet even today *Borobudur* proclaiming the titantic architechtonic genius of the Sailendra sovereign of Srivijaya (Sumatra, Java) and Angkor Vat, the soaring Vimāna of Vishṇu constructed by King Paramavishṇuloka of Camboj and designed by the master Architect Divākara. Let us hope that in his next edition Dr. Acharya will enrich his lexicon by incorporating the data imbedded in the epigraphic and monumental documents of Greater India.