Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c55.7

v1.c55.7

House planning was never left to the caprice of the individuals in India. It was the responsibility of the state or the ruler to see that a certain minimum standard was adhered to by every house holder in matters of building his house. They were so rigid that they were codified and were given a sanctity of a religious character, so that they may never be violated. What is the present state of affairs? The building byelaws are there. Every house-builder has to get his plan sanctioned by the Municipal Board or the similar other corporation. Despite all this, the results so far, have been simply monstrous. The congestion, lack of sanitation, lack of symmetry and beauty as well as of religiousity (purity) etc. are every where to be seen abunduntly. It is a matter of gratification that in these days the town planning departments are a bit more awakened, but the task facing them is so enormous that, the absence of a clear-cut vision, must work havoc to any fitting solution of the house problem. Now, people have begun to talk of such materials as cost less. Nobody is, now, after the aforesaid grandeur or beauty or comforts. A small place to meet ordinary vital wants is enough. This consciousness, this awakening, this realisation of the grim realities is the most suitable time when we can turn our eyes to the past.