Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c53.52

v1.c53.52

Tree as the model of a house is further supported by the classification of the pillars and other different parts of a house having its basis on the different parts of a tree. In the Mīnasāra in its chapter named Stambha (XV), the five main pillars are called *Brahmakānta*, *Viṣṇukānta*, *Rudrakānta*, *Śivakānta* and *Skandakānta*. As suggested by Dr. Tarapada Bhattacharya, I also believe that the word Kānta points to the trunk of the tree (called Kāṇḍa) being synonymous with the shaft of the pillar. The word Kānta, as is used in the nomenclature of these pillars, is a later variation of the word ‘Kāṇḍa’. Similarly the door jambs in practically all the manuals on the science of architecture (see S. S. Ch. 28) are called *Śākhās* (the branches) from the use of branches of trees in their construction. Again the lintel of the doorway was similarly called as “*Udumbara*” evidently from the use of the fig wood in making these pieces. Thus earliest connections of primitive dwellings with the tree appear all the more probable, as we find that the vegetable kingdom was the first to be utilised for all necessary materials of house building.