Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c4.3

v1.c4.3

From the stand-point of pure research the preparation of voluminous anthologies of Vāstu-lakṣaṇas, Pratimā-lakṣaṇas and Citra-lakṣaṇas by Dr. Shukla is indeed a contribution of no small importance. It is altogether a new presentation in the contemporary Sanskrit scholarship and research and I am sure even the more orthodox Sanskrit scholars would appreciate the new research technique as initiated and enunciated by Dr. Shukla. In this volume, it appears that Dr Shukla has fully used all that has been said or written about the subject concerned and he has acknowledged it himself. Both these works, namely Vāstuśāstra Vol. I and Vāstuśāstra Vol. II represent a lucid survey of the whole field of this technical branch of Sanskrit lore. Dr. J. N. Banerjea has stated that Dr. Shukla should have included the illustrations from amongst the Indian monuments which are really our rich architectural heritage. However, I hope that Dr. Shukla will take this into consideration when he publishes his volume no. III which, I understand, is going to be the concluding volume to complete the survey not only on Śāstric lines but on objective lines as well.