History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c29.s1.t3.28

v1.c29.s1.t3.28

*Śukranītisāra* depicts city planning in an elaborate manner headed by *Grhadhyāpati* - the minister of town planning and in order of hierarchy stood *Sthāpati* (master architect), *Sūtragrāhik* (Surveyor) and *Takṣaka* and *Vardhaki*. In this text the central place is given to the *Sabhā* and areas are allocated to others depending upon their status and occupational classes. Wealth and cast were the main criterion. Regarding cardinal points of the lay-out of the city, he follows *Arthaśāstra* tradition viz. city buildings should face either the north or the east. It lays great importance on the selection of a site for the capital of the kingdom. The place should abound in natural wealth of flora and fauna, rich source of water and be navigable up to the sea and be even plain and picturesque and, not, far from the hills.