Essay on the Architecture of the Hindus c4.s3.59

c4.s3.59

is particularly intended for the residence of Brahmans. It may contain twelve, twenty-four, fifty, one hundred and eight, three hundred or more houses. The smallest, or that which contains twelve houses, is called *ásrama*, hermitage, and ought to be situated near mountains and forests, for the habitation of hermits. The village containing twenty-four houses is to be situated on the banks of a river, and inhabited by *yatis* or holy mendicants: it is called *puram*. That which contains fifty houses should be occupied by those who have performed holy sacrifices, or by householders in general: in the former case, it is called *puram*, and in the latter *mangalam*. The village containing a hundred and eight houses is commonly called *Cos-t'ham*.”