Structural Temples of Gujarat

SR No.: 006728
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kantilal F Sompura
Publisher: Gujarat University Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 868
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 31 MB

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Sources of Architectural Canons
knowledge occur in the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa (VI. 5. 27). Sacrifices (Yagnas) form the main topic of the Brahmanas, In Citi (sacrificial altar) the burnt-bricks were used. Further, the description occuring in Satapatha Brāhmaṇa indicates the influence of Non-Aryan architecture. The construction of the Smaśāna (Burial mound over the ashes or the bones of dead man) is described in detail in the Satapatha Brāhmaṇa (XIII. 8. 1. 4) which, supplemented by Ṛgvedic and Yajurvedic verses already referred to, gives us a clear idea of the earliest form of the Indian Stupa. The Aryan stūpas were four-sided; the non-Aryans ones were round. Square Hindu stūpas have been found in India. The Hindu stupa rested on earth, where as the Asura stūpa was errected on a base. The mound was then enclosed by a stone which perhaps indicates the stone casing or the rails round the stūpas. Pegs were fixed on the four sides, which might have given rise to the custom of errecting a pillar on each of the four cardinal points arround the Stupa.
(d) Sūtrās (800 B. C.-400 B. C.)29
The Kalpa Sutras one of the Vedāngas, afford the earliest Vastusastras. The Samkhayna Grhya Sūtra (III, 2 ff.) and the Aśvālayana Gṛhya Sūtra (II, 7, 9) devote as many as three chapters each to canons of house building. The existence of the central post and the importance ascribed to it indicate that the earliest house of the Aryans was one with a pillar in centre, on which the stability of the house depended.
In the Gobhila and Khadira Sutras, the principles of siteselection, the quadrangular and circular shape, the position of the doors etc. have been eleborately discussed. Correctness of foundation and proportionate measurements of the architecture are strictly adhered in Sulbha-sutras. Dr. P. K. Acharya rightly observes: "The construction of these altars, which required for the great 'Soma' sacrifice, seems to have been
were
Chro. Kane.
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