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.c49.94

v7.c49.94

Part IV compares *Mānasāra* with the well-known treatise of Vitruvius on architecture which belongs to the first century before Christ. Professor Acharya has been trained in scientific methods of criticism in Europe and in this part of the work we find a considerable scope for this training. The comparison is thoughtful, reasoned and balanced. The conclusions are cautious and well-supported. The author has clearly shown ‘that there are undeniable similarities between the two standard works and that their affinities do not seem to be accidental.’ He has wisely left the question of the debt of one author to the other or of both to some common source, quite open. In the present resources of our knowledge it is impossible to arrive at a more definite conclusion.