Essay on the Architecture of the Hindus c4.43

c4.43

The following rule is laid down in the first section of the *Cásyapa*, for the purpose of ascertaining the solidity of the ground on which the foundation is to be laid. "Having dug a pit a *hasta* in depth, in the middle of the ground, return the earth into it, and according to the space which the latter may now take up with reference to that which it occupied before the digging of the pit, whether more, less, or the same, the ground should be considered as good, bad, or indifferent; the good and indifferent sorts are acceptable, but the bad should by all means be avoided."