The Vastu-vidya of Varahamihira

Summary

N. M. Kansara’s article delves into Varahamihira’s treatment of architecture (vāstu‑vidyā) in the Brhatsamhitā, a sixth‑century encyclopaedic work better known for its astronomical and astrological sections. Varahamihira was a polymath who synthesised knowledge from earlier Sanskrit traditions, and his chapters on architecture provide a rare window into early Indian building science. Kansara summarises the structure of this section, which begins with general definitions of architecture, followed by discussions of site selection, soil testing, building plans, comparative measurements of storeys and doors, and ornamentation. Varahamihira stresses the importance of selecting auspicious sites with appropriate soil characteristics and orientation and details how the perimeters of houses should be proportioned relative to human measurements. The article explains Varahamihira’s classification of buildings, including residential houses (vāstu), temples, palaces and public structures. For each, the text specifies ideal dimensions, layouts, and decorative elements. Kansara notes that Varahamihira draws on the Mānasāra and other earlier treatises but adapts them to his synthetic vision. He also discusses chapter 79, which deals with house furniture and emphasises comfort and utility, and chapter 58 on sculpture, where Varahamihira applies architectural principles to the proportions of images. The author highlights Varahamihira’s pragmatic approach: while he follows ritual prescriptions, he recognises regional variation and recommends that architects adapt guidelines to local materials and climates. Kansara argues that the Brhatsamhitā’s vāstu‑vidyā section influenced later architectural texts and practices. He cites examples of medieval temples whose layouts correspond to Varahamihira’s prescriptions and notes that the text was translated and commented upon in both Sanskrit and vernacular languages. The article concludes that modern scholars and architects can learn from Varahamihira’s integration of scientific observation with aesthetic and ritual considerations. It calls for further study of the Brhatsamhitā to appreciate the holistic worldview underlying ancient Indian sciences.