Vastu-shastra (4): Palace Architecture
by D. N. Shukla | 1960 | 13,158 words | ISBN-10: 8121506115 | ISBN-13: 9788121506113
This page describes Accessory Structures: Gaja-shala (stables for elephants) which is chapter 2c of the study on Vastu-Shastra (Indian architecture) fourth part (Palace architecture). This part deals with (1) the construction of Royal establishments, (2) Accessory Buildings, (3) Palace pleasure-devices such as yantras (mechanical devices), etc. and (4) Other public buildings.
Chapter 2c - Accessory Structures: Gaja-śālā (stables for elephants)
Like Aśva-śālā the Gaja-śālā, (Ch. 32) is not so elaborately treated.
The Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra classifies stables for elephants into the following seven varieties, the first six being auspicious and last inauspicious:
The text enjoins that these stables for elephants should be planned very spacious and their relative measurements should be akin to those of the palaces, the largest type, the intermediate one and the smallest type. Their special architectural characteristics being the employment of the śālās, karṇa-prāsādas and the prāggrivas—the distinguishing feature of each of them is the different application of these motifs.