2.3. Samarangana Sutradhara and medieval architecture in India

Samarangana Sutradhara, one of the most valuable texts on the medieval architecture in India, is the earliest known work on the subject, to which we can assign definite chronology. It is compiled by Sutradhara Samarangana under the auspecious patronage of the Paramar King Bhojadeva of Dhara, who flourished from 1018 to 1060 A. D. In treatment of the subject matter no serial or systematic method is followed. There is no logical sequence or order in the arrangement of chapters. No doubt, as far as temple architecture is concered, the author has given a detailed treatment to Prasadas in their general plan and elevation. It includes nearly twanty chapters. 136. 'Sardha hastatrayam Caiva Kathitam Visvakarman' | Brh. Sam. LVI, 29. ★ Published in G. O. S. Nos. XXV (1925) & XXXII (1927) edited by MM T. Ganapati Shastri.

266 The Structural Temples of Gujarat Samaramgana-Sutradhara consists of eighty three chapters. In the I-VII chapters together with the chapters XLIV and XLV, the introductory subjects like need, origin, schools, scope and subject matter of architecture and qualifications of an architect are dealt with. The chapter VIII Bhupariksa deals with the surveying of the land and the examination of soilconditions. The chapter IX Hasta-Laksana is on the system of measurements. The site plans of the different catagories of the Vastu padas fit to be employed in nearly all sorts of architecture, are dealt with in chapters XI to XIV as well as in chapter XXXVIII. Chapters from XV to XXXVII, XXXIX to XLII, XXVIXLVIII and LI are devoted to civil or popular house architecture and palace architecture together with preliminaries like Ayadiniranaya, Kilka-Sutrapata. the first opeartions, foundation laying ceremony (Silanyasa vidhi) etc. In the next twenty chapters i. e. in chapters XLIX and L and in chapters from LII-LXIX. the subject matter of temple architecture is dealt with. The origin and development of Prasadas i. e. the Hindu temples, their mainfold classifications, layouts, measurements, superstructure and the finial, the decorative motifs and the accessory buildings like mandapas, the pavalions, the basement of temples etc. have been discussed fully. As regards the different styles of the temple architecture, it has added two more to the ternary of Nagara, Dravida and Vesara (Vavata, Vairata ) Viz., Bhumija and Lata. In the last fourteen chapters i. e. from LXX-LXXXIII, the subject of Iconography both sculptural and pictorial is dealt with.