An Investigative Study of the Inconsistencies in Architectural Sources Regarding the Measurement of the Length and Width of a House

Abstract

Architecture is an artistic and practical discipline. Its inception, as well as its development, has been nurtured in Indian attitudes. The beginning and the development of Indian architecture have been fueled by Indian attitudes. The basic information about the origin of Indian architecture is found in the Vedic literature. Information about architecture is found in Puranas, epics, religious and Buddhist texts, and even astrological treatises. Only remnants of ancient architecture are found today. Therefore, the study of Indian architectural sources is very important to identify the theories related to architecture. There are many extant texts of northern and southern traditions which led to the development of Indian architecture. There are many theories related to building a house in the technical books representing those traditions. In examining the theories related to architecture, many theories related to dimension determination can be identified. Meanwhile, theories related to measuring the length and width of a house are found in various sources. Among them, theories of determining length and width related to the king, queen, Purohita, as well as the Chaturvarniks are found. The intention here is to investigate which of these theories are present in the northern traditions. In it, the discrepancies related to the proposition are studied using North Indian sources such as Brhatsamhita and Vishwakarmaprakashaya, and South Indian sources such as Manasara and Manushyala Chandrika. In determining the length and width of a house, a number of futile methods have been socialised even now. Rather than such futile calculations, it is valuable to identify primary sources of theory and socialise methods that can be used in practice. One of the aims of this research is to resolve the problematic situations between different traditions and between the theories of such traditions. It is helpful for students of Vastushastra as well as academics. Also, this research is expected to combat social misconceptions about the theories of Vastushastra and draw social attention to correct and practical methods.