The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c7.30

c7.30

The Mânasâra gives the maximum width of the main village streets as 5 *dandas*.¹ The others varied in width from 1 to 5 *dandas*. The size of a single cottage was reckoned as from 24 feet by 16 feet to 40 feet by 32 feet. They were generally grouped together by fours, so as to form an inner square or quadrangle: the "magic" of the square depending on the fact that it afforded the best protection for the cattle of the joint household when they were driven in from the pastures every evening.