Notices of Buddhist Architecture vs Western Indian Vastushastra
By M. A. Dhaky
Summary
Vihāra (Buddhist Monastery) in the Vāstuvidyā (12th century): Describes a vihāra with a central Buddha image, painted ceilings, a Tārā chapel, and yakṣa (spirit) decorations. The structure could be one or two storeys high, but never more than three. The description resembles features of rock-cut vihāras at Ajantā, Ellorā, and Aurangābād, suggesting it was based on earlier sources. Prāsāda (likely a Stūpa) in the Vṛkṣārṇava (15th century): Refers to a doorless shrine dedicated to Buddha, with niches (possibly holding Buddha images) in place of doors along the cardinal directions. The central position is reserved for a meditative Buddha image. This aligns with stūpa designs popular from the 7th century onward. Key Points: These references are unusual given Buddhism's decline and Jainism's dominance in Western India during this period. The descriptions may preserve earlier Buddhist architectural traditions, even as Buddhism faded from the region. The text highlights the cultural and religious transitions in Western India, where Jainism replaced Buddhism but traces of Buddhist art persisted in Vāstu literature.
Conclusion
The architectural descriptions in the Vāstuvidyā and Vṛkṣārṇava reflect enduring Buddhist influences in Western India, preserving traditional vihāra and stūpa designs despite Buddhism’s decline and Jainism’s rise. These texts capture a transitional cultural landscape where religious shifts coexisted with lasting artistic legacies.