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The next chapter deals with Prakaras or walls and ramparts, surrounding the capital and other cities, palaces, forts, temples and other buildings. Temple ramparts differ materially from those of capital cities. Hollow Cylindrical constructions and constructions in the form of towers for soldiers and guards to be stationed and weapons and ammunition to be stored have to be added for the latter. The emblems to be placed on the walls are those of the flag, the sword, the warrior, the lion, elephant and horse for the capital. Temple walls have the vahanas and minor deities placed in the walls. Where more enclosures than one are constructed each outer enclosure is higher by one-fourth of the inner. The walls are thick at the bottom and become thinner and thinner as they rise. The cement and mortar and other materials are specially chosen for strength and durability. That some of the old walls of cities in our country require several days for making holes and breeches is proof abundant of the knowledge about the strength of cement and mortar possessed by our fore-fathers who have followed our Shilpa texts.
Upapitha or Pedastal:-Upapitha is always constructed below the Pitha or the stand, and above the adhiṣṭāna or the base. Sometimes the adhiṣṭāna is built over the Upa pitha. It raises the level of what is placed above and adds to it beauty and durability. It consists of a number of facets one above the other and practically exhausts all the designs of facets. It is placed below the seats of deities, at the lower part of pillars and in every other structure or construction where ornamentation, strength and raising of the level are required. The Upapitha is constructed or made of granite, brick and mortar or wood or metal. It may range from one or two angulas in height to one or two cubits according to the requirements of the situation. The different combinations of the facets have been classified and named as in the case of Adhiṣṭhānas. A construction without adhisthāna and an Upapitha is to be censured according to the text.
S. X
| SR No. | 010145 |
| Book Title | Vishwakarma Vastushastram |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Vasudev Shastri, N B Gadre |
| Publisher | S Gopalan Tanjor |
| Publication Year | 1958 |
| Total Pages | 834 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Classification | Book_Devnagari |
| File Size | 37 MB |