Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
by K. Vidyuta | 2019 | 33,520 words
This page relates ‘Further Scope for Research’ of the study on the Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (in English) with special reference to the characteristics of Prakara (temple-components), Mandapa (pavilions) and Gopura (gate-house). The Silpa-Sastras refers to the ancient Indian science of arts and crafts, such as sculpture, architecture and iconography. This study demonstrates the correlatation between ancient Indian monuments (such as temples and sculptures) and the variety of Sanskrit scriptures dealing with their construction.
6. Further Scope for Research
The Śilpaśāstra and the Kriyā pāda of Āgamas are a type of literature that include architecture, sculpture and iconography. The present study has concentrated on the architectural section as delineated in Kāśyapa Śilpaśāstra and some of the Śaivāgamas. Even there, it has dealt elaborately with the three specific features of south Indian temples, namely, the prākāra, maṇḍapa and gopura.
As suggested in the concluding portions of the chapters the shortcomings like the typographical errors and the technicalities without much explanation, etc. leave scope for further study of this text or other texts dealing with these concepts, which will enable the correction of erroneous readings, etc. If more manuscripts dealing with these topics are found and brought to light, it will pave way to clearly understand the knowledge of our ancient architects.
Studies could be carried out on the other features of architecture such as the vimāna, garbhagṛha and the bheras. So too the study on the iconographical details as found in the Āgamas is very much needed. These areas of Indian art and architecture are quiet enchanting and illustrative of our culture. They need more researchers to delve deep into them and bring out their structural and aesthetic values.