Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c7.3

v1.c7.3

Scholars intending to go in for advanced studies should be encouraged to take up such subjects as require not only the basic equipment of a good knowledge of Sanskrit, but also a sound idea about the technicalities of the artistic and architectural remains of ancient India. Shri Shukla is an eminent Sanskritist, and he possesses a thorough idea about the nature and quality of the architecture of the ancient Indian people. He is thus eminently fit for scientific appraisal of such a highly technical work like the Samarangana-Sutradhara of king Bhoja. The treatise is a very elaborate work on the laṭā school of Indian Architecture. It has not so far been systematically and scientifically studied, though some Purvacharyas had made occasional use of it. Shri Shukla's work is, thus, a sort of pioneer work, and it deserves full appreciation and praise for breaking new grounds.