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Town Plannig in the Jain Anga
299
On the territorial plane, this shape is a long narrow one with broader area on one side. Such geo-morphological features are found in the riverine areas, as well as in valleys and on ridges in the mountainous terrain. The Ancient Tripuri on the Narmada, Vastrāpatha Kşetra of Girnar, and some of the areas of various Tuks on Palitana etc. follow this pattern, and might form the basis of this exaggerated description.
The terrestrial experience of the Uttara Falguni Nakshatra in Simha Raši, the shape of Vrścika, etc. also could give this idea, But, this does not explain the term Gopuecha, and hence should not be emphasised as forming the basis of the description. Forts :
The Angs have described the forts of these settlements as having the Prākāra, Parikhā, Attālikā, Cariya etc. The Parikhās are the moats that surround the towns, the Präkāra is the fort wall.
Its description in the Rayapaseniya, 113 suggests a trapezoidal section, of the earth-works. The existence of mud-wall fortifications at Mathura, numerous earthen embankments indicate the accuracy of this general statement. Archaeological relics of such sloping walls are found at Kaušāmbi and other sites.
The descriptions of Kapiširşa or merlons, the attālikā and Cariya are too generalised to require comments. The merlons are of different patterns and their vantage for discharge of weapons have different angles. Without any reference to these features, no chronological or historical comments are possible.
The passage behind the merlons is also noticed. This is a general notice of the main defence line of the city. Gates :
· The entry to the fort is provided by the gates. The weapons of defence are generally noted, but the description does not refer to the barbicans, and therefore, it is not clear whether this feature was not noticed or did not exist. The archaeological data provides for both varieties and therefore the latter alternative is not possible.
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