Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s2.90

v2.c74.s2.90

In the hierarchy of relative superiority of the Devas, Devīs, Daityas, Dānavas, Gandharvas, Yakṣas, Kabandhas and Kūṣmāṇḍas, etc., etc., the assignment of tāla-measurement in accordance with the superiority and inferiority (vide the tabulation already referred—appendix ‘A’) is itself an indication that this topic has got some deeper meaning and purpose. Moreover these tāla-measures as prescribed in the Indian texts of Iconometry should not be deemed as mechanical rules. They are apparently so. Their practical utility is not devoid of aesthetic principles. Mr. Hadaway, a metalist of repute, rightly observes, “Hindu image-maker or sculptor does not work from life, as is the usual practice among Europeans, but he has in place of the living model, a most elaborate and beautiful system of proportions, which he uses constantly, combining these with those of observation and study of natural detail. It is in fact, a series of anatomical rules and formulae of infinitely practical use than any European system which I know, for the Indian one treats of the actual proportion and surface form, rather than the more scientific attachments of muscles and articulations of bones”.