History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c31.72

v1.c31.72

Again the jaṅghā (wall) upto the waist level approximated in proportion to the adhiṣṭhāna. The main śikhara (height 60 to 100 ft. above the platform terrace) was 2 to 3 times the height of the maṇḍovara, comprising adhiṣṭhāna and jaṅghā. The sanctum (8 to 11 ft. square), which was practically cubical, was three times the width of its doorway, while the height of the doorway was twice its own width. Each part of the edifice and its sub-part down to the minutest moulding had certain set measures and proportions which were fixed either canonically or traditionally. It will thus be seen that the Indian architect had a clear concept of well-tested, standard ratios and proportions and he built his grand edifice confidently, conforming to these.