Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c52.14

v1.c52.14

It may be noted here that the number of parapets, the Prākāra walls upon the rampart (Vapra) was generally one. But Pataliputra is reported to have three such walls. In the Artha-śāstra mention is made of several parapets. Kauṭilya advises odd or even number of these walls with an intermediate space between them. Again one pertinent point regarding these parapets is their height. Too much of height as advocated by some of the texts (cf. Brahmāṇḍa-Purāṇa, Ch. 103) is a great hindrance to the proper ventilation of the city, particularly the adjoining area. The S. S., therefore, moderates its specification and prescribes the limit of seventeen hastas. Śukrācārya's remarks are more helpful :— (Ch. I)— "The wall of the town is to be made too high to be jumped across by robbers or enemies."