Essay on the Architecture of the Hindus c4.29

c4.29

The first chapter of the *Mánasára* treats of the several measurements used in architecture, sculpture, &c. In measuring space, the Hindús commonly take their reckoning from the most minute quantity or extent; and *Mánasára*, like others who have treated on the subject, begins his measure from *paramánu*, which he defines to be the particle perceptible only to the eyes of the sages, perhaps thereby importing the atoms spoken of in the writings of philosophers, while others have identified it with one of those subtile particles of substance which are seen floating in the reflected light of a sunbeam. "Eight" of these *paramánus* make one *ratharénu*, or grain of dust raised up by the wheels of carriages; eight *ratharénus* one *valágra*, the point of a hair; eight *valágras* are equal in size to a louse; eight lice to a grain of *yava*; three, three and a half, and four *yavas* make one *angula*, or finger of the inferior, middle, and superior sorts respectively. Twelve *angulas* make one *vitasti* or span; two *vitastis* one *hastha* or cubit, which is equal to twenty-four *angulas*, and is sometimes called *cishcu hastha*, lesser cubit, in contradistinction to *prájápatya hastha*, which is equal to twenty-five *angulas* Twenty-six *angulas* make one *dhanurmusti* or the grasp of a bow; twenty-seven *angulas*, one *dhanurgraha* or the handle of a bow. Thus the *hasthas* are fourfold; the first or *cishcu* is employed in the construction of couches, vehicles, and the like; the second or *prájápatya* is used in building temples, pyramids, &c.; the third or *dhanurmusti* in constructing houses; and the fourth or *dhanurgraha*, in the measurement of villages, towns, and cities. According to some, however, the *cishcu hastha* is adopted for all these purposes indiscriminately. Again, four *hasthas* make one *dandá* or staff, which is called sometimes *yesti*, and sometimes *dhanus*; and eight *dandás* are equal to one *ryju*, a cord which is employed in measuring all sorts of land. In raising sacrificial altars, a particular sort of *angula* is used, equal in size to the intermediate space between the two middle joints of the middle finger of the *carta*, or master, and which is thence called *mátrángula*.