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Sourcebook for Indian Traditional Arts: Shilpa Shastra, Vastu, Sculpture & Temple Agamas

Srinath S

Categories within Shilpa Shastras

1. Architecture (Vastu Shastra)

Description: Principles of design, layout, measurements, and spatial geometry for buildings, temples, and urban planning.

Key Texts:

2. Sculpture (Murti Shastra / Pratima Kala)

Description: Creation of idols, statues, and decorative elements, including materials, proportions, and iconography.

Key Texts:

3. Painting (Chitra Shastra)

Description: Techniques, aesthetics, and symbolism in painting, murals, and ritual art.

Key Texts:

4. Other Arts and Crafts

Description: Traditional crafts like metallurgy, textiles, and performing arts.

Key Texts:

Prominent Scholars and Their Contributions to Shilpa Shastra Studies

These scholars have played a pivotal role in interpreting and disseminating the Shilpa Shastras:

  • P.K. Acharya
    • Key Works: English translation of Manasara, An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture, Indian Architecture according to the Manasara Shilpa Shastra
    • Insights: Emphasized Manasara’s comprehensive role in Hindu architecture.
  • Tarapada Bhattacharya
    • Key Works: The Canons of Indian Art: Or, a Study on Vāstuvidyā
    • Insights: Viewed Manasara as an evolving text, highlighting the organic development of Shilpa Shastra.
  • Adam Hardy
    • Key Works: Studies on Indian temple architecture, The Temple Architecture of India
    • Insights: Saw Manasara as a prescriptive design guide with practical and regional applications.
  • Ram Raz
    • Key Works: Essay on the Architecture of the Hindús
    • Insights: Introduced Shilpa Shastra to the West, providing a foundation for later scholarship.
  • Stella Kramrisch
    • Key Works: The Hindu Temple, Indian Sculpture, The Art of India, The Vishnudharmottara Part III
    • Insights: Analysed Hindu art and architecture, emphasising the spiritual and cultural significance of texts like Vishnudharmottara Purana.

Here is a list of scriptures, commentaries, and translations related to Indian architecture and design studies, categorized by their respective traditions:

Vastu Shastra Primary Texts

1. Matsya Purana (Chapters 252–270)

2. Maya Vaastu (Maya Samgraha)

3. Manushyalaya Chandrika (Manushyalaya Lakshana)

4. Raja Griha Nirmana

5. Visvakarma Prakasa

6. Samarangana Sutradhara

Vastu Shastra Commentaries and Studies

1. Design of Settlements in the Vaastu Shastras (Amita Sinha)

2. Manasara (Prasanna Kumar Acharya)

Vastu Shastra Encyclopedias

1. Vastu-Shilpa Kosha (S.K. Ramachandra Rao)

2. Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture (Prasanna Kumar Acharya)

Agama Scriptures

  1. Sarvajnanottara Agama (Shaiva)
  2. Ekottara Agama (Buddhist)
  3. Agama Digital Collections
  4. Kamikagama (One of the most important Shaiva Agamas)
  5. Mrgendra Tantra (An Upagama of Kamikagama)
  6. Matanga Parameshwaragama (Vidyapada)
  7. Silparatna (Sculpture & Iconography)

Commentaries

  1. BDK America’s Agama Translations
  2. Temple Administration & Agamas
  3. Meditation Manuals
  4. Tantraloka by Abhinavagupta (Philosophy of Agamas)

Digital Libraries & Resources

  1. Wisdom Library Agama Texts
  2. Agama Academy Publications
  3. French Institute of Pondicherry (Shaiva Agama Collection)
  4. Himalayan Academy (Shaiva Agama PDFs)
  5. WisdomLib (Sanskrit Agama Texts)

Key Academic Papers

  1. Analysis of T602 Agama

Notes on Accessibility

  • For Hindu Agamas, the Himalayan Academy and Archive.org links provide direct access to Shaiva texts.
  • Buddhist Agama translations are best sourced via BDK America and academic forums.
  • Always cross-reference with primary Sanskrit/Tamil manuscripts where possible.

I hope this resource helps you explore the profound wisdom of ancient India’s architectural and artistic traditions. It’s time to return to the roots.

Hi, I’m Srinath S

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