Significance of Shilpashastra
Synonyms: Art of sculpture, Architecture
In Finnish: Shilpashastra; In Dutch: Shilpashtra
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Shilpashastra'
Shilpa Shastras in Hinduism encompass traditional texts guiding sculpture and architecture, outlining principles of artistic creation and construction, integrating aesthetics and rituals, and serving as foundational manuals for ancient Indian arts and architectural practices.
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The science of art and architecture, encompassing various traditional practices and principles.[1] (2) The study concerned with the arts, particularly relating to sculpture and architecture, with a significant contribution from Agamas.[2] (3) Ancient Indian texts that provide guidelines and principles for arts and crafts, particularly in town and architectural planning.[3] (4) Systematised manuals that are canonical books of art involving the science of architecture.[4] (5) The study of the arts and crafts, particularly focused on sculpture and iconography.[5]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) A traditional text or guideline that outlines the principles and practices of architecture and sculpture.[6] (2) A manual on the art and science of construction, particularly machines, which is unique in its focus within the context of the text.[7]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) A type of literature that encompasses topics related to architecture, sculpture, and iconography.[8] (2) A traditional Indian text that deals with the crafts and techniques of sculpture and architecture.[9] (3) A category of texts dealing with the methodologies and rituals surrounding the practice of arts, including architecture, in ancient India.[10] (4) The science of artistic creation, encompassing art and architecture that includes all artistic designs conceived by the mind and executed by hand.[11]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) An ancient Indian treatise on arts and crafts, mentioned in connection with the construction plans supported by Shrimant Bala Shahib Pant Pratinidhi.[12] (2) Texts, such as the one by Mandana and the Samarangana-Sutradhara, that address architectural and sculptural subjects, often in either abridged or enlarged formats.[13]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) Texts that discuss the principles of art and iconography, such as Brihatsamhita, Manasara, and Shilparatna, contributing to the tradition of image worship.[14]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A collection of texts that describe the special kind of building that the temple is, dedicated exclusively for religious use.[15]
The concept of Shilpashastra in local and regional sources
Shilpa Shastras, rooted in Gupta period literature, encompass guidelines for art, architecture, idol-making, and temple construction, detailing artistic practices and techniques crucial for ancient Indian aesthetics and Hindu worship.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An ancient treatise on arts and crafts that guided the architectural and sculptural practices within the temples and ensured adherence to specific aesthetic principles.[16] (2) Ancient texts that outline the techniques and principles of image-making and art forms in India.[17] (3) Ancient texts that classify and explain the various styles and techniques used in Indian temple architecture and art.[18] (4) Ancient scriptures providing guidelines on idol making and principles of art related to Hindu worship.[19] (5) Grammatical treatises on art that were formulated during the Gupta period, contributing to the development of artistic practices.[20]