Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c50.s2.4

v1.c50.s2.4

The truth however lies midway between these two extreams. Accordingly in case of Svatah-pravṛtta category of towns the natural advantages and easy communications must be viewed as the contributory factors. A market or temple, facilities of easy access and conveyance, especially by water, that is, prominent trade routes, navigable rivers or seas, a satrapy or fortress, the sacred bank of a sacred river etc. may be deemed as some of the natural advantages which contributed to the growth of the towns.