The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c7.19

c7.19

For choosing the site of a village, the Mânasâra declares that a careful examination of its position and soil is first necessary. The best site is that which slopes towards the east, so as to get the full benefit of the first rays of the morning sun: those who have cultivated an Indian garden will appreciate the truth of this axiom. It should be near a stream running from left to right—the auspicious direction in which the sun moves across the sky—and the well-digger should be able to find water at a depth of about seven feet.¹