Few countries possess a richer architectural heritage than India, a country whose buildings are rooted in history, culture, and religion. As a results of India's global discourse with other regions around the world, there have been many influences that have been assimilated into its architecture, producing unique, varied and lively results. This fantastic volume walks the reader through India's history, both architecturally and culturally, exploring its different styles of buildings and providing interesting insights into their origin and evolution. “Indian Architecture” is highly recommended for those with an interest in architecture and Indian history alike. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on architecture.

First Chapter Is Introductory, Second Chapter Is Determination Of The Cardinal Points, Third Chapter Is Hindu System Of Surveying, Fourth Chapter Is Hindu Measurements, Fifth Chapter Is Hindu Proportions Or The Relation Between Length And Breadth, Sixth Chapter Is The Erimeter And The Yoni, Seventh Chapter Is Tests For Measurements, Eighth Chapter Is Hindu Fractions And Limiting Values, Ninth Chapter Is The Sacrificial Altars, Tenth Chapter Is Town Planning, Twelfth Chapter Is Sculpture, Thirteenth Chapter Is About Silpis, Who Are They?, Fourteenth Chapter Is Conclusion. In The Last Of The Book Dictionary Of Architectural Terms, Bibliography And Index Has Been Given.

The Mayamata is a Vastusastra, that is to says a treatise on dwelling and as such, it deals with all the facets of gods temple dwellings, from the choice of a site to the iconography of temple walls. It contains many precise descriptions of villages and towns as of temples, houses, mansions and palaces. It gives indications for the selection of proper orientation, of the right dimension and of appropriate building materials. It intends to be a manual for the architect and a guidebook for the layman. Well thought of by the traditional architects (sthapatis) of South India, this treatise is of interest at a time when technical traditions, in all fields are being scrutinized for their possible modern application. The Mayamata has so far been translated into Tamil and into French. The present English version is based upon the edition, with French translation, previously published by Dr. Bruno Dagens in the Publication Series of the French Institute of Indology (Pondicherry).

Description: The ancient monuments of India possess that quality of leaving a lasting impact on the mind of the beholder and awakening his spirit. Their irresistible appeal has resulted in the creation of a vast literature dealing mostly with their aesthetic aspects. The technical aspect was neglected; for information on this subject was scarce and available only in the manuscripts with private owners scattered all over India. Undaunted by the dismal prospect before him, Prasanna Kumar Acharya ventured in this untrodden field and after years of diligent search and study, prepared the work: Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture. This contains the Sanskrit text of the Building science studied by the architects of ancient India. Critical notes on every chapter are provided for an easier understanding of the text. Everyone interested in the Architecture of ancient India shall find this book as the most authoritative on the subject.

Of art, artists, and the canon defining Indian sculpture.

This book takes the reader through the centuries and gives a rich insight into India's heritage and architecture. For years the preserve of scholars, this is a presentation of the myrad forms, school and styles of architecture in an informative yet reader-friendly manner focusing on aspects of Indian aesthetics, principles of engineering, history and philosophies, replete with brilliant visuals and illuminating perspectives.

This volume focuses on the religious shrine in western India as an institution of cultural integration in the period spanning 200 BCE to 800 CE. It presents an analysis of religious architecture at multiple levels, both temporal and spatial, and distinguishes it as a ritual instrument that integrates individuals and communities into a cultural fabric. The work shows how these structures emphasise on communication with a host of audiences such as the lay worshipper, the ritual specialist, the royalty and the elite as well as the artisan and the sculptor. It also examines religious imagery, inscriptions, traditional lore and Sanskrit literature. The book will be of special interest to researchers and scholars of ancient Indian history, Hinduism, religious studies, architecture and South Asian studies.