The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c7.23

c7.23

When the site had been determined, the ground was ploughed over. A pair of oxen, of equal size and of the same colour, strong and without blemish, was chosen for the purpose. If they were to be found, oxen with white spots on the head and knees were particularly auspicious. They were decorated with gay trappings, and gold or silver rings were placed on the horns and hoofs. Then the master-builder himself, garlanded and dressed in clean garments, turned the first furrow. The rest of the work was done by labourers, or *sûdras*, hired for the purpose.¹ The oxen and the plough to which they were attached were the *stapathi' cosmic cross were broad avenues, probably planted with umbrageous trees. The long one, running east and west, was called *Râjapatha*—King's Street; the short one, which pointed north and south, was *Mahâkala*—Broad Street, or otherwise *Vamana*—South Street—from the name of the mythical ele-