Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c55.2

v1.c55.2

The over gratification in our spiritual civilization has done a great harm. In matters mundane or material, our planners have always looked to the West for light and guidance. We have altogether shut our eyes to our technical heritage. Though we have an important section of the Technical Sciences, in the All India Oriental Conference, what impact has it left on our National Reconstruction, especially State-craft and the Engineering and Architectural policy is not very difficult to see. Our Sthāpatya was very scientific. It has lost its tradition. The present writer has done some thing towards the study of this most fascinating branch of Indology by his humble pursuits—vide Vāstuśāstra-research-publications in about six volumes—Canons of Hindu Architecture, Sculpture and Painting etc. etc. The climatic conditions and so many other agelong modes and habits woven in the very texture of Indian life demand that our houses should be so planned as to give us cool shelter, in order to live comfortably and enjoy longivity. Nine-feet ten-feet high houses are a curse these days. Such low-roofed tenements are basically wrong for this hot climate of India. They may be good for cold countries. Accordingly a few suggestions in a popular language are being put before the lovers of Indian architecture, who may take up the question with the Planning Commission for a re-orientation in our Engineering and Architectural policy. My ‘Bhāratīya Vāstuśāstra’ (Hindi work) and Vāstuśāstra Vol. I and II are pointer to advocate this reorientation in our national policy not only for the good of our cultural heritage but also for the good of living and longivity.