[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [Town Planning in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.dutt-1925) › c16.11.2 # Town Planning in Ancient India c16.11.2 Town Planning in Ancient India c16.11.2 - **Language:** English ### [c16.11.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.dutt-1925.c16.11.2) The evil consequence upon city-corporate life of segregating people into detached wards where they could be liable to develop different habits and customs was provided against by the large composite wards, villages in themselves, of the big cities; or in small towns of simple residential blocks, by establishment of temples in the centre with magnificent maṇḍapas, debating halls, and rest-houses within the temple compound, where all sorts of people could freely congregate together irrespective of their caste. As in strictly religious matters there was no distinction of caste, so the holy ground of the temple was open to all. Varṇāśrama-dharma was a strictly a social institution and it could not stretch beyond the pale of social concerns. Every person belonging to any caste has his inherent right to make offerings and devotions to the tutelary deity of the city or village whose holy precincts can by no means be polluted by his sons. The influence of human organisation cannot enter and interfere with the equality and fraternity of devotees reigning in the consecrated compound. It is in this sense that it is said that Holy Benares is without the world. Inasmuches every institution or performance drew its inspiration from a religious creed which was supreme in all matters, the true national spirit of the Hindus as embodied in their common religious susceptibility, permeated all strata of the society, strengthening the bonds of corporate life. - [Previous: c16.11.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.dutt-1925.c16.11.1) - [Next: c16.11.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.dutt-1925.c16.11.3) - [Up: c16.11](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.dutt-1925.c16.11) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.dutt-1925.c16.11.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.dutt-1925.c16.11.2) · Pramāṇa