The Hindu Architecture (Silpa-Sastra)/Govinda Krishna Pillai. Delhi, Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, 2004, xix, 202 p., tables, 29 diagrams, 19 plates, $66. ISBN 81-8090-060-6.

    Contents: Preface. I. Introductory. II. Determination of the cardinal points: 1. The Hindu way of finding east-west direction from the shadows. 2. Correction of processional variation in terms of shadow length. 3. The accuracy of the method is proved by actual experiments. 4. A thumb rule correction followed on the Malabar Coast-its accuracy and probable origin. 5. The discrepancy between the Manasara and South Indian Zodiacs. 6. The South Indians appear to have determined the equinoxes by shadow reckoning. 7. The independent origin of the Tamil Solar Calendar, and its partial adoption in the North India. 8. Greecian influence on Hindu astronomy. 9. Varahamihira and Pancha-Sidhantika. 10. Discrepancy between the Manasara and South Indian Zodiacs is explained. 11. Determination of other cardinal points. 12. The Gods of the eight cardinal points and their genesis. III. Hindu system of surveying: 1. Difference between the old and new survey system. 2. Hindu adherence to correct orientation is not based on religion. 3. Space absolute undergoes limitation. 4. Division of ground into number of squares, and Gods in the squares. 5. The mystic and sacred Mandala of the Hindus is found in old Mata. 6. The story of the demon Vastu-Rakshasa and the God on his limbs. 7. Adoption of the squares to make ground-plan. 8. Misuse of the survey diagrams for the purpose of sorcery. 9. Vastu-Rakshasa nourished through sacrifice to the Gods in the squares: a feast coupled with memory training. IV. Hindu measurements: 1. Primitive origin of the lineal measurements and attempts at standardisation. 2. Tala system or a device to make measurements independent of the measuring rods. 3. Hindu sexagesimal system based on their Lunar Calendar. 4. The division of the circle into 27 equal parts each part with a proper name after 27 constellations or Nakshatras. 5. Division of the same into seven equal parts called the week days or Varas. V. Hindu proportions or the relation between length and breadth: 1. Hindu preference for the perimeter. 2. Out of four formulae specifying the relation between the length and breadth, three have been traced: i. Lengths in terms of breadth plus one, two, or three quarters of the breadth. ii. Lengths in terms of breadth plus one or two thirds of the breadth. iii. Lengths in terms of breadth plus certain constants. 3. Use of these proportions has been traced back to Mohenjo-daro of the third millennium BC and Kausambi of third century BC. VI. The perimeter and the yoni: 1. A formula to derive the perimeter from the lengths by use of certain constants designated for four castes. 2. Investigation and the redictovery of; yoni; as a reformed unit of measurement. 3. The Archimedean spiral is found hidden in the Silpi, formula. 4. Probable date of Manasara Silpa-Sastra. VII. Tests for measurements: 1. How to find the right sort of measurements by tests: i. Aya-Vyaya. ii. Vara-Nakshatra, and iii. Vara-Thiti. 2. Investigation and explanation as to the nature and utility of these tests. 3. Conclusions resulting in the discovery that Aya and Vyaya are not income and expenditure as generally understood, but they are two measuring rods; Vara (week days), Nakshatra (constellations) and Thiti (Lunar days) are not superstitious astrological elements introduced in architecture, but they are different scales used by the Silpis. 4. The use of the Hindu constructional scale with then divisions each equal to one-ninth of their measuring rod is traced to Mohenjo-daro, Kausambi and Bhita. 5. Hindu duo-decimal system based on 1/3 and 2/3 of their measuring rod Kikshu or Kol. VIII. Hindu fractions and limiting values: 1. Partial fractions extending down to 1/102400 with proper names and hieroglyphic signs. 2. Their origin is traced back to Mohenjo-daro. 3. How sums involving these fractions are not to be worked out by mental arithmetic. 4. Evaluation of all fractions with 1 as numerator and prime numbers up to 47 as denominators with an accuracy equal to a minimum of five places of decimals. 5. Introduction of the limiting values to all prime factors by an ingenious system of equivalents, looking like a multiplication table. 6. Place value notation is seen in the make up of these fractions. 7. Place value notation and the zero are as old as the cowry board calculation in India.  IX. The sacrificial altars: 1. How the Hindus introduced the construction of mathematically accurate altars for maintaining mathematical discoveries. 2. How they deduced the value of 2 accurate to five places of decimals from a graphical construction and by the use of their measuring rod. 3. How they hid the value of in the convertion of Ahavanya Altar into a Grahapatya Altar, and maintained the value of 2 and in the construction of the Daksina Altar. 4. The construction of Mahavedi Altar preserves several perfect squares and their components. 5. How Mahavedi Altar can be made to yield the square roots of all numbers from 1 to 10. 6. The most accurate value of 3 is hidden in the convertion of Mahavedi into Sutramni and Paitraki Altars. 7. Similarity between the Paitraki Altar and a Trapezium of ancient Egypt dating from, 1,800 B.C. X. Town planning: 1. Planned and well laid out cities of pre-historic India. 2. Krishna's directions for re-planning Dwaraka. 3. The detailed study envisaged by the ancient Hindus is at par with the best and up-to-date town-planning practice in the western countries. 4. Sixteen different layouts investigated and explained. Zone system, dispersal in the centre and concentration at the perephery form the main features of the Hindu layout. 5. Hindu layout is seen in ancient Egypt and Greece, as well as in medieval Europe. 6. Ancient town-planning in India is neither Indo-Aryan nor village planning. 7. Most pitiable state of the towns in India at the present time. 8. Right type of civic centres. 9. The main cause of unsatisfactory results in the present day planning in India. XI. House-planning: 1. The main features of house-planning in ancient India: i. Correct orientation. ii. Suitable aspect in confirmity with the climatic conditions, prevailing winds and storms and the transit of the sun. iii. Suitable layouts with due consideration of the habits, customs and prejudices of the people. 2. The present tendency and its disastrous consequences. XII. Sculpture: 1. Indian sculpture dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, in an unbroken line. 2. Foreign influence on Indian sculpture may be negatived by: i. The Indian ideal of a model, which is neither an object or person, but a creation of the artist's mind. ii. Specific proportions the artists have been using. iii. Indian canons of beauty and other conventions. 3. Vedic origin of the Stupas. 4. Siva-lingam is not a phallic symbol. 5. Masterpieces in terracotta and stone. XIII. Silpis, who are they?: 1. Four-classes of the Silpis, and their attainments. 2. Similarity between the Silpi tools and Masonic tools. 3. Relation between the Hindu and the British measuring rods. 4. Did freemasonry originate in India? 5. The Brahman usurpation and the Silpi downfall. 6. The Silpi idealism in decorative art. XIV. Conclusion. Dictionary of architectural terms. Bibliography. Index.

    "In 'Manasara Silpa-Sastra' certain discrepancies in the book made me to investigate. This book is the result of author investigation lasting over a period of several years. This book deals with fourteen chapters." (jacket)

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