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Application of Ancient Indian Principles of Architecture and Engineering in

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Conference Paper · December 2016

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 Application of Ancient Indian Principles of
Architecture and Engineering in Modern Practice
S.P. Rayjada Dr. K.A.Chauhan
Undergraduate Student (B.tech-III), Civil Engineering Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Department
Department Sardar Vallabhbhai National institute of Technology, Surat
Sardar Vallabhbhai National institute of Technology, Surat Surat, Gujarat, India.
Surat, Gujarat, India E-mail: kac3srb@gmail.com
Email: sprayjada@gmail.com

Abstract: - Architects and Engineers from Ancient India India Vastu texts were destroyed so texts written in south
has derived principles of construction and architecture India are considered as basic literature. There texts like
based on experience, observation of natural phenomena Mayamatam said to be written by sage Mayamuni,
and considering social and cultural aspect of India. These Samarangana Sutradhara of Bhojadeva and Aparajita prccha
principles are aimed at developing built environment [8] are the major technical treatises containing elaborate
which is compatible for the inhabitants and extracting descriptions on the aspects of architecture and engineering.
maximum benefits from nature. Various myths are The term Vastu was originally derived from the root word
prevailing regarding some principles which leads to vas, meaning to dwell or a dwelling place. The term Vastu
superstitious behavior among people. These principles can implies a human settlement or a place where more than one
be well explained using the modern scientific logic and household lives.
knowledge. Scientific study of these principles should be
done and they should be applied in contemporary practice.
This study attempts to explore basic principles of Indian
architecture and engineering based on Vastu Shastra (the
ancient Indian building science) texts, such as
Mayamattam, Samarangana Sutradhar, etc. An attempt is
made to give scientific reason of some principles that can
be adopted in modern practice of designing and
construction easily for comfort and happiness of
inhabitant.

Index Terms: - Vastu Shastra, Basic Principles, Construction,

Strength and Earthquake Safety, Site Planning

I. Introduction
Art of architecture and construction in ancient Indian Fig. 1 Arrangement of Panch Mahabhoot
texts is called Vastu Vidhya. Marvelous monuments in India
With respect to cardinal directions
are exemplary examples of Vastu Vidhya which represent its
.
advance architectural and construction techniques.
Methodology of construction of these monuments represents Entire universe including our body is composed of five
harmony of structure with environment, rituals and lifestyle of basic elements- Air, Earth, Fire, Space and Water called
people of India. “Panch Mahabhoot” [4]. The main principle of Vastu is to
maintain the balance between dwelling/structure and the
There are so many texts written for principles of
elements of universe for happiness and comfort. Vastu is the
construction and architecture broadly, called Vastu Shasrta
science of direction that combines all the five elements of
[8]. The subject of Vastu Sastra had been rigorously dealt
nature and balances them with the man and the material [6].
across various ancient texts covering diverse subjects of
literature. It ranges from Vedic literature to Agamas, Puranas, II. Basic Principles
Sutras, Samhitas, Epics and other Treatises [8]. Due to
influence of Mughal rule and conflict between states of north The fundamental principles of Vastu Shastra are
applied in constructing buildings such as residential buildings,
commercial complexes, industry layouts, towns, temples, etc.
There are five basic principles on which the great edifice of
the Vastu science of architecture stands. They are:
(1) Examination and Selection of Site: - Bhu Pariksha.
(2) Orientation:-Dik Nirnaya.
(3) Planning of various component:-Padavinyasa (Vastu
Purusha Mandala)
(4) Proportion and Measurement of building:-Manna and
Ayadi.
(5) The aesthetics of the building: - Bhulambamana or
Chanada.
These principles are based on movement of celestial
elements like planets, Sun, Moon and their effects on
environment, velocity and direction of wind rainfall volume
and intensity and characteristic of soil. These principles are
also derived on the basis of special characteristics and
influences of elements of universe such as the magnetic field,
gravitational effect of Earth and Galaxies in sky, light and heat
of Sun including the effects of its ultra-violet and infra-red
rays, etc. [2]. It reflects Indian philosophy of life and inter-
relationship between human and environment. It also includes
the art of interior designing and decoration with reference to
the five natural elements.
Bhu Pariksha
It is unique method of testing the site, before it is selected
for the construction. The soil has to be examined for its shape,
contour, odour, colour, taste and touch.
Dik Nirnaya
According to Indian texts of architecture, the cardinal
directions hold a particular significance. The various
associations are given to the eight cardinal directions. Main
Fig.2 Cardinal Directions
(Source: - www.vedicvastu.com)
aim in orientation principles of Vastu Shastra is setting of
structure and its components of in such a way that they may
get maximum benefits from solar radiation and wind.
Padavinyasa (Vastu Purusha Mandala)
It constitutes mathematical and diagrammatic basis for
generating design. Purusha refers to energy, power, soul or
cosmic man. Mandala is the generic name for any plan or
chart which symbolically represents the cosmos [4].
Padavinyasa is the process in which the site is divided into
various numbers of squares. The number of squares varies
from Single Square (1x1 grid) to 32x32 (1084) squares
depending upon type of construction, where each square is
referred to be as Padas [8]. Most common mandala is shown
in figure-3. Pada – deities are assigned to the divided squares
and are named after the deity assigned. It defines stable
structural grid for construction [7]. Deities can be considered
as component of nature or controller of particular natural
component of phenomena as per ancient Indian thought.
Arrangement of deity is indirectly indicates the aspect of
particular component. It guides us to formulate activity zoning
in the house. For example location of Agni(God of Fire) is in
South -East direction indicates arrangement of human activity
Fig.3 Vastu Purusha Mandala
The diagram is divided into 9×9 = 81 parts. The
positions of the 45 gods who are holding down the
Vastu Purusha are shown. (32 are in the external
enclosures and 13 are in the internal enclosures).
These symbolic Gods rule various aspects of life and
have certain inherent qualities.
(Source: - www.bharatiyavaastushashtra.com)
 III. Fundamental Concept of Vastu Used In Construction
and The Science Behind Them
Since Ancient Indian principle of architecture and
engineering are based on observation of nature, it can be
considered as fundamental or core principle. They can be
applied in construction techniques of any era. Scientific
knowledge of these principles and its application in modern
construction can increase efficiency and give better results.
Attempts have been made to bridge both the some norms
of Vastu and modern techniques of design and construction.
This is done on five levels described as follows.
Site selection and sub soil exploration
 Shape of site should be rectangular and in proper
proportion.
Scientific reason:-It defines good structural grid
and provides good aesthetic. It is very difficult to plan
in narrow site [4].
 Location of site should not be near crematorium,
temple or near any public place.
Scientific reason: - Site should be selected far
from public place to avoid hindrance in day-to-day
life.
Fig.4 Planning of Chandigarh - Capital of  According to Mayamattam pit of size 2’x2’x2’ should
Panjab and Haryana according to Vastu Purusha be filled with water. If the time taken to absorb the
Mandala water is more than an hour, it is good. Another check
(Source: - [7]) is when water is poured on soil and when one walks 5
steps forward/backward on the wet place, if water is
related to fire aspect should be done in that direction i.e.
absorbed soil should be rejected [4] .
kitchen should be provided in South –East direction. This
Scientific reason: - It indicates that sandy soil as it
system of dividing the ground plan helps the architects in
is having high permeability so water can easily pass
calculating the proportion of the different parts of the building.
through it as sandy soil is not suitable for foundation.
Mana and Ayadi
Site Planning
Maana prescribes the proportionate measurements. The
 Orientation means the position of the Site with
measurements are divided into categories such as
respect to the Cardinal directions. Orientation can be
measurement of height, breadth, width or circumference,
considered as direction that the front of the site faces.
measurement along plumb lines, measurement of thickness
All directions are considered good for orientation and
and measurement of inter-space [7].
each has its own advantages but considering
Ayadi prescribes correctness of proportion and size of
movement of sun and ease of planning, orientation of
different components. Aayadi principles are useful for
building is found to be best in east direction and least
calculating proportion and scale of different components,
preferable in south.
.principles of ratio of breath and length, height and length, etc.
 Proper lighting and ventilation should be provided
Chanada throughout the day. But during whole day people
Chanda means ‘Beauty’. So Chanda is the beauty aspect perform different activities in different rooms/parts at
or aesthetics of buildings. Chanda in Vastu literally means a different time. The Sun’s position keeps changing
view of the structure against the sky, i.e. its perspective view from sunrise to sunset. Each room should be
[8]. As per ancient Indian architecture elevation of buildings is positioned so that it faces the Sun at the time of the
constructed based on function of building. day when it is most likely to be used. Arrangement of
component in house is described by Vastu Purusha
Mandala [3].
Earth’s energy field and the eight directions are
manipulated to create an atmosphere beneficial to
 human. It is derived from movement of sun and East which leads to easy removal of sewage and
human activities and it is symbolically represented by rainwater from front side or road side.
deities as described above.  Location of bore hole should be in North-East or
North-West direction.
Table 1: Arrangement of Component of house Scientific reason: - As major construction should
be done in South-East direction considering
Activities/ Time of use Location Deity Location of movement of the Sun, boring in North-East or North-
Rooms/comp- of sun at that room/ West direction will not affect foundation of major
onents locati- component part of building [2].
on  The direction of excavation should be from North-
Pooja/Exercise 3:00-6:00 North - Isa North – East to South-East, then South -East to South-West
East East/East corner
Bath room 6:00-9:00 East Sun East Scientific reason: The North-East is generally
/Main kept lower than the South-West at any time of the
door/Drawing construction. This is to ensure a flow of light and
room wind at all times from the North-East the rest of the
Kitchen 9:00-12:00 South- Agni South- construction if the North-East is lower.
East East/South Strength and earthquake safety
Work 12:00-15:00 South Yama South  Irregular shape of building is prohibited
Place/office Scientific reason: - Asymmetric building plan
Study of 15:00-18:00 South- Pitru South- may lead to twisting of building under lateral load
children/back- west west/north effect. Irregular shape of buildings are made regular
yard by provision of crumple section.
Relaxation and 18:00-21:00 west Varuna West  It is preferable to have 9 division(3×3)in plan
dining building
Sleep 21:00-00:00 No sun Naga North- Scientific reason:-Equal span concept provides
hour west/South symmetry in plan. In modem practice if this concept
-west is not possible to implement but concept of symmetry
Cash room or 00:00-3:00 No sun Soma North/ of loading should be maintained to avoid torsional
strong room (time of hour but (moon) north west effect under seismic loading [1].
complete sun is  There should not be large opening at the corners of
darkness) consider the building
in north Scientific reason: Openings should be as small as
possible and should be located centrally for load-
Architectural Aspect bearing structure. Openings at the corners weaken the
structure and make it susceptible to damage due to
 Height to Breadth ratio is important for pleasant seismic loading forces.
aesthetic of structure; guidelines related to it are  Thickness of wall should be minimum, one sixteenth
given in Maana. When the Height to Breadth ratio is of its length [5].
in between 1.5 to 2 the structure will appear stable Scientific reason: Wall having high length to
and aesthetically sound. width ratio and high height to width ratio may topple
Scientific reason: It is proven that best ratio of under seismic loading.
length and width of rectangle is 1.618 called golden
 Building must be firmly connected to ground
ratio. Moreover Ayadi and Chanada provide some
Scientific reason: Construction of soft story for
guideline for measurement and aesthetics of structure
parking cause sudden change in stiffness in vertical
as stated above.
direction. Building having soft story will not perform
Construction better during earth quake [1].
 Sites sloping towards East & North are considered  Location of column should not be at Nabhi Sthana of
auspicious Vastu Purusha mandala
Scientific reason: According to Vatsu best Scientific reason: - Nabhi Sthana is center of
orientation is east facing and sloping toward North- gravity of Vastu Purusha mandala. So, column
 should not be erected at center of gravity for better Research in Engineering and Technology; Volume: 05 Issue: 04 Apr-
2016
torsional rigidity of structure.
[7] Reena Patra; Vaastu Shastra: Towards Sustainable Development,
 Shape of column should be square or circular. Published online 12 November 2008 in Wiley Inter Science pp. 244-256
Scientific reason:-square and circular columns are [8] V Balasubramanian and S Nagan; Comparative Analysis of Planning
strong about both axes. Principles of Vastu Sastra of Traditional Indian Architectural Texts for
the Residential built Environment International Journal of Earth
IV. Conclusion Sciences and Engineering ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 08, No. 02, April,
2015, pp. 52-59
a) Above study reveals that Ancient principles are [9] VastuShastra Texts; Mayamatam
scientifically derived and can be explained with modern
science.
b) As this principles are derived on basis of natural
observation so that they can be considered as fundamental
principles that are relevant in any era.
c) Some principles can be considered as rule of thumb
particularly in planning stage. These principles can be
used as guideline for engineers and architects.
d) When we combine these principles with modern
techniques it will create most efficient and sustainable
construction. There are neither rigid laws nor different
theory that is to be adopted precisely but by following
certain simple guidelines and keeping certain precautions
the application of these principles is very easy in
contemporary practice.
e) These principles also incorporate social and cultural
aspect of Indian society hence it provides best way to
develop economically efficient and structurally sound
built environment which is harmonious to nature and
cultural aspect of society.
 There are numerous other Vastu Shastra rules that
can be justified with the help of modern science and
understanding. As these principles are developed during large
time span of human civilization, it incorporates experience
and knowledge of architects and engineer of different era. It
also incorporates social, political and regional variation.
Hence relevance of these principles in modern practice should
be evaluated. It is advisable to use scientifically justified
principles in modern practice for efficient construction and
comfort of inhabitants.
V. References
[1] A. K. Desai; Similarities between Vastu Shastra and Earthquake
Engineering; Vastu Conference 2008
[2] Hitoshma Singh, Somendra Narayan, and Anshul Chawla; Seismic
Design of Buildings in Accordance with Vastu Shastra; Proc. of Int.
Conf. on Recent Trends in Transportation, Environmental and Civil
Engineering 2011;pp-95-97
[3] Juliet Pegrum; The Vastu Home; Ulysses Press, 2002
[4] K.A. Chauhan; Thesis for degree of Ph.D. “Resident’s selection and
priority setting for the satisfaction in housing using analytical hierarchy
process – A novel study of surat”,V.N.S.G.U., Surat
[5] Nilakanth Dash and Gayatri Devi Vasudev ;Vāstu, Astrology, and
Architecture: Papers Presented at the First All India Symposium on
Vāstu, Bangalore, Held on June 3-4, 1995
[6] Ranjeet. P, D.V.S. Narshima Rao, Md. Akram Ullah Khan; Vastu in
construction in civil engineering point of view; International Journal of

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