Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c76.149

v2.c76.149

2. Vaiṇika—though literarlly mean lyrical (derived from Vīṇā, lyre) they may be taken in for those in square frame. The V. D. describes it with so many qualifications दीर्घाङ्ग, सप्रमाण, सुकुमार, सुभूमिक, चतुरस्र, सुसम्पूर्ण all of which aim at a beautiful portrait with the consummation of skill and prefection of high order. Dr. Motichand, however, takes it as a very common decorative motif what is called ‘Meander’ (Barada Mutān), Sanskrit Gomūtrikā, wavy pattern. The motif is derived from the bullock urinating while passing on his track. The act produces a wavy pattern on the track. In the Viṣṇudharmottara, III, 41, 3, this motif seems to have been mentioned under the name of Vaiṇika, which is derived from Veṇī Coiffure. The entwined meanders are of the same shape as the coiffure twisted in basket pattern, in which the curves (Khānā) are filled with floral designs. In dohri bel or double meander two meanders cross and the interspaces in ascending an and descending loops are filled with flowers and leaves—‘Mughal Panting’.