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298
Mehta
higher areas. These higher areas on the cutting side of the main stream are usually free from floods and hence they are admirably suitable for building villages, towns etc.
On such sites, the natural development leads to the growth of the habitation from the river side and it spreads inland following higher contours. This development leads to the typical Dhanukudil Town. Alternatively, if a large settlement is required the higher area of Dhanukudil shape is covered by the fortifications. In either case the town becomes Dhanukudil as noted in the Upāngas. A perusal of the cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Mathura, Fort of Agra, Delhi and others indicate the operation of these geo-morphological forces.
This territorial experience could help the imagination to develop the thoughts of terrestrial towns. It could further be strengthened by the semi-circular shape developed by viewing the horizon-zenithhorizon from one direction to the opposite one. Probably such experience would explain the idea of Addhacanda of the Saudharma Kalpa, as noted in the Rāyapaseniyo. Ayata :
The Āyata plan could he inferred from the exaggerated descriptions of Dvārāvati, Pundaragiri, Vitaśokā and other towns noted in Inātādharma Kathā-5.1, Antagada Dasa-1.8. It is noted that the towns were 12 Yojanas x 9 Yojanas. In simple terms it was a dimension of rectangular or Ayata towns. Caturasra :
This shape of the town Vijaya in Suumavāyānga, is noted in an exaggerated form as 12,000 Yojanas in length and breadth. These dimensions indicate the square or Cat urasra plan. Such plans exist at sites like Vadodara, Dabhoi etc. Gopucchs :
The description of Sūryābha Vimana in the Rāyapaseniya 113 notes this plan in the terrestrial area of Suryābha in Saudharma Kalps. Does it refer to territorial or terrestrial experience ?
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