Talk:Dharā
By Swami Harshananda
Introduction[edit]
Dharā means the earth. This section deals with the testing of a soil in various ways to determine whether it is fit for building a village or a town, with the necessary structures. Town-planning, surveying and marking are also included. Several types of designs of towns and cities are mentioned here.
Harmya[edit]
Harmya is the general name for a building. Several types of the structures apart from private dwellings are mentioned such as:
- Prāsāda - palace or temple
- Maṇḍapa - open hall
- Sabhā - auditorium
- Śālā - stable or stall
- Raṅga - pavilion
Details of standard bricks and stones, mortars and methods of arranging the bricks and stones are also given. It is interesting to note that the ancient architects knew how to prepare a strong and superior kind of cement called vajralepa. Buildings with several storeys have also been described. Palaces of several varieties also depending upon the status of the king, are mentioned in detail.
Works on building construction frequently use four technical terms as applied to the builders, the engineers and the craftsmen which may be cited here. They are:
- The sthapati - the chief architect who is an expert in all aspects of construction
- The sutragrāhi - the surveyor who is an expert in the art of measuring
- The vardhaki - the painter
- The takṣaka - the carpenter and the sculptor
Yāna[edit]
Yāna stands for any mode of transport. Various types of carts and carriages,[1] chariots[2] and palanquins[3] have been mentioned in these treatises. Details of designs helpful in making them are also given. Rathas are constructed for ceremonial or ordinary drives of idols, brāhmaṇas or kings, and also for fighting purposes. They are therefore of several varieties and shapes.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore