Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c11.4

v1.c11.4

**Origin of Indian architecture.** Previous writers have posed questions on antiquity and origin of Indian architecture. But, I think, it is a needless attempt. Indian culture being historic rather than historical must baffile the attempt. Architecture, being one of the hall-marks of civilization, must have begun with the rise of civilization itself and the history of Indian civilization, its origin etc. still baffles us. The finds at Mohenjo-daro and Harrapa cannot be regarded as non-Indian. A very advanced state of architectural objects unearthed there consequently cannot be disregarded of their historical value. Ṛgvedic allusions and references to a very advanced state of architecture also cannot be called imaginary. Therefore how to surmise the origin is not only a problem but also a mystery, and modern rationalism is all against a mysterious approach. A scientific approach in relation to an architectural study must not be based solely on archaeological evidences. The literary evidences must have an equal importance in reconstructing our past history despite the absence of any archaeological evidence. Architecture as mirrored in the hymns of the Ṛgveda is a pointer. There are innumerable references in Ṛgveda which indicate a very advanced architecture of the day. A few hymns may be referred: