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Samarangana Sutradhara of Bhojadeva: An Ancient Treatise on Architecture (In Two Volumes)

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Item Code: IDJ479
Author: Sudarshan Kumar Sharma
Publisher: Parimal Publication Pvt. Ltd.
Language: (With An Introduction, Sanskrit Text, Verse by Verse English Translation and Notes
Edition: 2012
ISBN: 9788171103027
Pages: 1144
Cover: Hardcover
Other Details 9.5 X" 7.3"
Weight 2.30 kg
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Book Description

From the Jacket

Sri Bhojadeva was first and foremost a man of great learning, a versatile scholar, a polymath indeed, for he has been credited with works in almost every branch of knowledge. According to Ajada who wrote a commentary named Padakaprakasa on Sarasvati Kanthabharana, Bhoja wrote 84 works giving them names with his own titles and binds.

Of the various works ascribed to him, Samarangana Sutradhara is a voluminous treatise, an architectural masterpiece, dealing with technical subjects such as town planning, house architecture, temple architecture and sculptural subjects like Pratima Laksana, Iconography, Iconometry, Iconoplastic art together with Mudras, the different hand poses and the poses of the body as well as the postures of legs. It deals with the canons of painting and devotes a big chapter to the art of mechanical contrivances, the Yantras.

Samarangana Sutradhara is in eighty three chapters with chapter thirty one specializing in the mechanical contrivances and Yantras, having verses 95-100 dealing with the construction of bird shaped aerial cars and verses 101-107 dealing with the Robots meant to act as guards.

This is the first time that an English translation of this great architectural work has been attempted with various annotations and the complete original Sanskrit text. This is definitely a landmark in the field of ancient Indian architecture.

About the Author

Dr. Sudarshan Kumar Sharma is B. A. (Hons.), M. A. Ph. D he completed his graduation from D. A. V. College Jalandhar in 1955 with First class first in Sanskrit (Hons.) and post-graduation in 1958 from Deptt. Of Sanskrit, Punjab University, Jalandhar.

In 1961, he joined as regular lecturer in Sanskrit and served various colleges at Chandigarh, Bhatinda, Bhatinda, Jalandhar etc., in his long teaching carrer. Finally, he retired as Principal, Govt. College, Fazilka, Punjab. He has a number of books to his credit. Prominent among them are-

1. Tilakamanjari of Dhanapala-A Critical and Cultural Study.
2. Mrcchakatika of Sudraka - A Critical and Cultural Study.
3. Karnabharam and Madhyam-vyayoga of Bhasa (Sanskrit text with English and Hindi translation)
4. Yajnaphalam of Bhasa (Sanskrit text with English and Hindi translation). 5. Udayasundari Katha of Soddhala (Sanskrit text with English translation).

6. Mandaramanjari of Visvesvara Pandeya (Sanskrit text with English translation).

7. Brhatkatha-sloka-samgraha of Buddhasvamin (Sanskrit text with English translation).

He had been an active participator at various Oriental conferences and Seminars held in the past at various places of India. His research papers and journals have been published in almost all magazines and elicitation volumes.

Since his retirement, he has been an active writer and doing critical translations of various rare books. His forthcoming books are-Garuda Purana (Sanskrit Text with English Translation), Vayu Purana (Sanskrit Text with English Translation), Brhat-katha-manjari (Sanskrit Text with English Translation), Kalki Purana (Sanskrit Text with English Translation), Kalki Purana (Sanskrit Text with English Translation), Avantisundari-katha (Sanskrit Text with English Translation) etc.

Introduction

According to Dr. Pratipala Bhatia Munja's nephew Maharajadhiraja Kaviraja Sista Siromani Dharesvara, Sri Bhojadeva was first and foremost a man of great learning, a versatile scholar, a polymath indeed, for he has been credited with works in almost every branch of knowledge. According to Ajada who wrote a commentary named Padakaprakasa on Sarasvati Kanthabharana, Bhoja wrote 84 works giving them names with his own titles and binds. Prabhacandra Suri Prabhavaka Carita refers to Bhoja's works in several branches of learning. Of the works ascribed to him, the authorship of the following can be traced with Rajamartanda a commentary on Patanjali's Yogasutra, Sarasvati Kanthabharana (grammar) and Sarasvati Kanthabharana (Poetics), Srngara Prakasa (Poetics and Dramaturgy), Tattva Prakasa (a manual on Agamic Saivas), Brhadrajamartanda (dharmasastra grantha), Rajamrganka (medicine), and a work on Astronomy (1042 A. D.) Dr. Mahesh Singh also details the works of Bhoja as under:

I. Anthology - Subhasita Prabandha.

II. Architecture - Samarangana Sutradhara
III. Astronomy and Astrology - Aditya Pratapa Siddhanta: Rajamartanda: Rajamrganka (Karna) Vidvajnanavallabha (Prasna Vijnana)
IV. Dharmasastra, Rajadharma and Polity - Bhujabula (Nibandha) Bhupala Paddhati. Bhupala Samuccaya or Krtyasamuccaya. Canakyanitih or Dandanitih. Cauncarya; Vyavahara Samuccaya; Yuktikalpataru; Purtamartanda; Rajamartanda; Rajanitih.

V. Grammar - Sabdanusasana.
VI. Lexicography - Namamalika
VII. Medicine - Ayurveda Sarvasva; Rajamartanda or Yogasara Samgraha Rajamrgarika; Salihotra; Visranta Vidyavinoda.

VIII. Music - Sangita Prakasa.
IX. Philosophy - Rajamartanda - a commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra; Rajamartanda (Vedanta); Siddhanta Samgraha; Siddhanta Sara Paddhati; Siva Tattva ratnakalika; Tattva Prakasa or (Siva tattva Prakasika)
X. Prakrta poems - Kurmastaka 2 vols.
XI. Sarasvati Kanthabharana - Srngara Prakasa
XII. Sanskrit poetry and prose - Campuramayana; Mahakalivijaya; Srngara Manjari and Vidyavinoda - only 38 composition. Though K. M. Munshi and Dr. Ganguly doubt the handiwork of Bhoja on all. A general editor he may have been.
Samarangana Sutradhara is a voluminous treatise dealing with technical subjects such as town planning, house architecture, temple architecture and sculptural subjects like Pratima Laksana, Iconography, Iconometry, Iconoplastic art together with Mudras, the different hand poses and the poses of the body as well as the postures of legs. It deals with the canons of painting and devotes a big chapter to the art of mechanical contrivances. The Yantras. The Yukti Kalpataru (also architecture, arts and crafts) Srngara manjari katha (an akhyayika in prose). The Vyavahara-manjari referred to by Vimalabodha, a commentator or Bhoja Campu, Avani Kumara Sataka (having two Prakrta poems engraved on a stone slab in Bhojasala at Dhara) each having 109 stanzas in Aryamitra! Vidvajnanavallabha Prasna Jnana (predictions on dreams), Nama Malika and Salihotra (lexicography and veterinary science). A work on music quoted by N. P. Cakravarty records two Prakrta poems engraved on a stone slab in the Bhojasala.

Samarangana Sutradhara is in eighty three chapters with chapter thirty one specializing in the mechanical contrivances and Yantras, having verses 95-100 dealing with the construction of bird shaped aerial cars and verses 101-107 dealing with the Robots meant to act as guards.

i.e. Having made a wooden large bird having body very stout and well knit, in the interior or abdomen of that one mercury, one may pour down. In its lower portion the fire place having fire filled in-

i.e. mounted over or into that the man by the breeze released owing to flapping of wings twain by the energy of its mercury, taking to marvels -flies far away into the sky. Samarangana Sutradhara, GOSE, pp. 183-184).

A wooden bird in whose hollow body is placed a copper contrivance one inch long and one quarter inch high, of slender cylindrical shape in two well joined halves allowing a hole at the centre along which air passes when the bird moves creating a pleasing sound.

Also in the hollow of the bird above, mentioned is placed a small drum like piece in halves and with an air passage as in the previous Yantra; the interior device is to be loosely hung and as the bird oscillates a highly pleasing sound is created which reduces the anger of the ladies who are cross.

Having created by a brace of well knit pieces having shape of a small drum (placed) inside, having a hole, a concavity softer one deserves to be made, in centre with a brace of ear penduncles or coils entwined as such in the mechanical contrivance already spoken of having a hollow, in a systematic manner, contrived as such. Then this bedroom accessory owing to mobility or fluctuation creates a sound that creates a thrill for a sport of love.

According to Dr. Narayana Manilal Kansara - The word "Vastu" literally means a place of residence or a house site and a house proper. Varahamihira uses "Vastu" in the strictly limited sense of a residential building. (Vastu Vidyadhyaya) (No. 53) Verse 2 and 3 refers to the "Vastu" nara as (p. 317).

Or "Vastu Purusa' referred to by L. S. Rajgopalan in the article (p. 24) entitled Construction of the Kuttambalam Temple Theatres - of Kerala from (Trichur). (Samskrta Ranga Annual Vol. VIII, Silver Jubilee Volume (1980-1987). Edited by Dr. S. S. Janaki. The Sanskrit Ranga, High Road, Mylapore, Chennai.

 

CONTENTS

 

CHAPTER 1  
Mahasamagamana (The Insurgence of Mahasama (Prthivi) 1
CHAPTER 2  
The conversation between Visvakarma and his sons (Manasa Putras) 6
CHAPTER 3  
Prasna i.e. A Questionnaire 9
CHAPTER 4  
The creation of the Mahat etc. (The Description of Creation) 22
CHAPTER 5  
Bhuvana-kosa 28
CHAPTER 6  
Sahadevadhikara (Bhavana Janma Katha) 46
CHAPTER 7  
The Segregation of Varnas and Asramas (The order of Society & the stages of life) 53
CHAPTER 8  
Bhumi Pariksa 60
CHAPTER 9  
Hasta Laksanam 74
CHAPTER 10  
The founding of a city 82
CHAPTER 11  
Vastu-traya Vibhaga (The Division of Triad of Architectural Establishments) 109
CHAPTER 12  
The determination of the Nadis and Siras or Siras 115
CHAPTER 13  
Marma Vedha (The obstruction regarding the vulnerable points i.e. precautions against vulnerable points in Architectural structure) 123
CHAPTER 14  
The decision regarding the glossary of words (in respect) of deities or gods and the variety of limbs of the House God or the gods permeating the limbs of the House God (Vastupurusa) 128
CHAPTER 15  
Rajanivesah (The planning of the Kings' Abode) 135
CHAPTER 16  
Vana Pravesa (The wood supply or timer requirements) 145
CHAPTER 17  
The observations on the Indra's Banner (marking Indra's victory over the asuras - a symbolic illustration of victory of good over evil) 158
CHAPTER 18  
The nomenclature of Nagara or Town and the like 194
CHAPTER 19  
The Illustration of Catussala i.e. square round buildings or four apartmented building or four chambered houses 206
CHAPTER 20  
Fruits of the designation of Samghaaaa, the three chambered and two chambered houses, the fruit of the auspicious houses, the fruit of balconies or the good effects of balconies and the names of Chattra and the likes. The fruit of the high and low landed buildings 246
CHAPTER 21  
Fruits of the designation of Samghaaaa, the three chambered and two chambered houses, the fruit or the auspicious houses, the fruit of balconies or the good effects of balconies and the names of Chattra and the likes. The fruit of the high and low landed buildings. 252
CHAPTER 22  
The definition of two chambered houses 261
CHAPTER 23  
The Definition of single chambered houses 270
CHAPTER 24  
The definition of door, pedestal, wall, measurements, the art of wood planking and defective or deficient buildings 276
CHAPTER 25  
The enumeration of the number of all the houses 283
CHAPTER 26  
About Income and Expenditure 306
CHAPTER 27  
Sabhasaakam (Eight Assemblies) 319
CHAPTER 28  
The extends of the household materials 321
CHAPTER 29  
Sayanasana Laksana 330
CHAPTER 30  
Rajagrha (The King's Palace) 341
CHAPTER 31  
Named Yantravidhanam (Dealing with the Preparation of Mechanical Contrivances) 363
CHAPTER 32  
The Elephant Stud or Equery for Tuskers 407
CHAPTER 33  
The Equery of Steeds 409
CHAPTER 34  
Practicable and impracticable materials 420
CHAPTER 35  
The Rite named the laying of Foundation Stones 428
CHAPTER 36  
The Offering of Bali to the Gods 436
CHAPTER 37  
Kilaka Sutrapata (the insertion of nails and threads) 440
CHAPTER 38  
Vastusamsthana matrka 453
CHAPTER 39  
The defects and merits of doors or qualities and disqualification's of doors and gates 457
CHAPTER 40  
The Measurement of a Pedestal or Basement 457
CHAPTER 41  
Cayavidhih - The edifice laying 469
CHAPTER 42  
The Ritual of Propitiatory Rites 474
CHAPTER 43  
The Fruit of the damage in a door 485
CHAPTER 44  
The definition of Eight Components 497
CHAPTER 45  
The definition of Eight components 497
CHAPTER 46  
Toranabhangadi Santikah (The pacificatory Rite on the collapse of an arched portal) 504
CHAPTER 47  
The pre-requisites of a Vedi 510
CHAPTER 48  
The observations on the defects of building constructions 513
CHAPTER 49  
The definition of Prasadas such as Rucaka 534
CHAPTER 50  
The good and bad indication of Prasadas 565
Second Volume
 
CHAPTER 51  
The Foundation of shrines 1
CHAPTER 52  
The specific names of the Prasadas 5
CHAPTER 53  
The Inferior Gates of the Buildings 9
CHAPTER 54  
The measurement of the doors of the Prasadas 11
CHAPTER 55  
The Illustration of sixty four Prasadas headed by Rucaka 28
CHAPTER 56  
The Illustration of sixty four Prasadas headed by Rucaka 51
CHAPTER 57  
A twenty counting of Meru and others 95
CHAPTER 58  
The panegyric of palaces 123
CHAPTER 59  
The Definition of vimanas amounting sixty four 126
CHAPTER 60  
The Definition of Thirty six Prasadas headed by Sri Kuta 160
CHAPTER 61  
Pitha Pancaka Laksanam 175
CHAPTER 62  
The definition of Dravida Prasadas 185
CHAPTER 63  
Meru and others Vimsika nagara prasadas (the twenty town buildings of the norm of Meru) 214
CHAPTER 64  
The Pre-requisites of Prasadas such as Digbhadra 230
CHAPTER 65  
The Illustration of Prasadas sprung over the Earth 247
CHAPTER 66  
The Definition of a Mandapa i.e. a Pavilion 274
CHAPTER 67  
The definition of 27 pavilions (Mandapas) 284
CHAPTER 68  
The allocation of specific parts to the land 299
CHAPTER 69  
Features of 39 kinds of Jagati 307
CHAPTER 70  
The illustration of images on the pedestal of a Siva phallus 335
CHAPTER 71  
"Cittrodesa" The Painting Art 355
CHAPTER 72  
Bhumibandha (Seasoning of the wall of painting) 358
CHAPTER 73  
Lepyakarma and the like (moulding, making models) or plastering 365
CHAPTER 74  
Andaka Pramana parabola and the measurement specified for the drawings for the human ace 369
CHAPTER 75  
Origination of the measurement of a sketch (Manotpattih) 372
CHAPTER 76  
Description of Idols 377
CHAPTER 77  
The definition or signs of the provision of weapons and forms of gods and the like 385
CHAPTER 78  
The signification of signs of the provision of weapons and forms of gods and the like 385
CHAPTER 79  
The sings of straight and suitable spots of Installation 399
CHAPTER 80  
Vaisnavadisthanalaksana (the illustration of installation of Vaisnava and the like) 421
CHAPTER 81  
The Illustration of Five Robots men and women 427
CHAPTER 82  
The observation on the pre-requisites of sentiments 431
CHAPTER 83  
The definition of sixty four Hastas such as Pataka 436
APPENDIX 471

Sample Pages

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