The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c8.79

v1.c8.79

**Ground fit for building :** The *Matsya Purāṇa* affords detailed instructions for the selection and examination of the ground for building. Earth is divided by it into four classes according to its colour; the white is called Brāhmaṇa, it is said to have a sweet taste; the red is Kṣatriya, and it produces an astringent taste in the mouth; the yellow is Vaiśya, it is hot and astringent to the taste; and the black is Śūdra; it is also astringent and hot. The merits of these different kinds of earth as substrata for buildings, or as materials for brick-making, are reckoned according to their caste, the Brāhmaṇa being esteemed the best, and the Śūdra the worst.