29/12/2020
The unexplored breadth of Vastushasthra:
‘Vastushastra’ is the name used to denote the theory behind the architectural history of South Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This ancient theory is as old as the human history of these places and developed to a significant level until mid 19th century when it gradually gave way to modern 'engineered' buildings. During this period several scriptures and other literature developed on vastushastra. It is interesting to note that codification of ancient architecture through such scriptures are rare or nonexistent in other ancient cultures making it a unique existence.
Apart from the explanations in ancient Sthapathya Veda, Agamas such as Kamikagama, Suprabhedagama, Karanagama and Ainthiram, which is arguably placed as first Veda (pranava veda), major scriptures exclusively on vastushasthra include Mayamata, Manasara and Viswakarmapraksha. These undated but agreed as very old scriptures may belong to a period between 6th to 10th century AD. Based on these early scriptures there are more validated and attributed literature such as Samarangana suthradhara by Bhoja Raja, Rajavallabha by Mandana and Isanagiridevapabhathi by Isana guru dated from 1000 AD. Following this there are numerous literary works on Vastushastra that are specific to the particular region of practice. For example, Manushyalayachandrika in Kerala and Manayadi shastram in Tamil Nadu. Further, in Kerala, like other regions, there are many books and manuals on vastushastra. Some of the known works are listed here.
So, What we established here is that, the theory of vastushastra contains a significant body of literature ranging from ancient scriptures to the numerous regional manuals or chap books written by many ancient scholars and practitioners which remains largely unexplored by the modern age architects of the region.
