History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v4.c62.405.2

v4.c62.405.2

The principal gates named after Brahmā, Yama, Indra and Kārtikeya were to be constructed. At a distance of 100 bows (400 cubits) beyond the ditch, platforms for holy trees, groves and embankments should be built. The cemetery should be to the east or north but to the south for the higher varṇas. Heretics and cāṇḍālas should have a place of residence beyond the cemetery. For each group of ten families there must be a well; oil, grain, sugar, salt, medicines, dried vegetables, fire-wood, arms, and other essential commodities should be stored in such large quantities that they might last for several years in case of a siege or invasion. The Matsyapurāṇa (217. 9-87) differs from the above description in many ways. It prescribes four wide roads, at the ends of which a temple, the royal palace, the court of justice and the principal gate are to be respectively constructed. Almost the whole of the description in the Matsya is quoted by the Rājanītiprakāśa (pp. 208-213) and also in the Rājadharmakāṇḍa pp. 28-36. The former also quotes (pp. 214-219) a long passage from the Devīpurāṇa with regard to the construction of a *nagara*, a *pura*, a *haṭṭa* (market), a *purī*, a *pattana*²³⁰ and the temples of several deities that are to be built in each, the rites to be observed in measuring out the ground for each and accurately finding out of the east and other directions. Pāṇini (VII. 3. 14 prācāṁ grāmanagarāṇām) distinguishes between grāma and nagara, while Patañjali thereon (vol. III.