The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c9.21

c9.21

The Mânasâra, as summarised by Râm Râz, contains several directions regarding the placing of village shrines, but the question arises as to whether it is permissible to assume that this part of Hindu craft-tradition is as ancient as the Buddhist sculptures of Bharhut and Sânchî. Râm Râz infers that it cannot be, because among these directions are some which place "the objects worshipped by Jainas and Bauddhas" outside the village. But I venture to think that he is mistaken in assuming that there is any sectarian contempt or disparagement implied in this passage. It simply records the fact that the principal object of veneration for Jains and Buddhists was the stûpa which originally belonged to the cremation or burial ground, outside the village pale. The provision made for Jain and Buddhist worship in this Silpa-sâstra, and the fact that shrines of Durgâ are placed in the same category, are sufficient proof that there is no sectarian feeling in the injunction.