History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c4.10

v1.c4.10

Town-planning during this period was the part of construction including proper orientation of buildings, sanitary, drainage, temples and use of right types of building materials (stones, bricks, rocks, wood, mortars, plasters). Fortification or erection of a physical barrier against a possible danger was a common practice. The test for stability of soil before any construction of temples, and judicious selection of foundation materials were compulsory. The temples were broad based tapering to a point giving built-in stability. All activities of the construction starting from quarrying of stones of right texture, shade, consistency in sculpting, dressing, setting in proper positions and various other related works were supervised by the ancient architect. Construction of reservoirs, canals, sluices, embankments for irrigation work were common both in north and south India. Various type of water lifting devices for continuous and discontinuous water supply were recommended. The examination of roads, bridges, wells, rivers, were part of the system to meet war & domestic requirements through transportation. Animals like cattle, elephants, equines, camels etc became a part of the organized activity and veterinary science developed following ayurveda with reference to diseases, treatment, training and breeding etc. Water transportation also flourished since it was profitable and easy to move in spite of many risks.