The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c7.17

c7.17

The Mânasâra Silpa-sâstra, anticipating Vitruvius, first insists upon the high intellectual and moral culture necessary for a master-builder (*stapathi*). “He should be conversant with all the sciences; always attentive to his work; of an unblemished character; generous, sincere, and devoid of enmity or jealousy.” His first assistant, who might be his son or an apprentice, was the surveyor, or *sûtragrahi*, who must be particularly skilled in mathematics and obedient to his master. The next was the *vurdhaci*, or joiner, dexterous in joining wood and in combining other constructive materials with it. “He should be of a calm disposition, and acquainted with drawing and perspective.”