Town-planning and House-building in Ancient India according to Silpasastras
By K. Rangachari
Summary
Ancient Indian town-planning, as per Silpasastras, involved structured spatial organization based on social hierarchy and occupational roles. Residential areas were allocated by caste: potters and barbers in the northern and eastern parts, fishermen in the northwest, butchers in the west, oil sellers in the north, carpenters in the southeast, artisans in the northwest, and washermen in the west. The Candilas (scavengers or executioners) and Matangas (outcasts) were housed outside the town, with cemeteries located northeast. Towns were symmetrically laid out with four gates at cardinal directions, each featuring specific temples—Durga at the east, Yirabhadra at the north, and Bhairava at the south. The Candila village was situated 1,500 karas north of the northern gate, while the Matanga settlement was 1,000 karas south of the southern gate. The urban layout followed a nested square system divided into zones: the innermost square housed temples of Vishnu, Shiva, Ganapati, and the village goddess, along with Vedic colleges. Adjacent zones accommodated Brahmins, Kshatriyas (soldiers/royal relations), and Vaishyas (merchants), with the outermost area designated for servants. Key infrastructure included the Silpisala (engineers' hall) in the northeast, a royal treasury, a sacrificial site (YajBadald), a wood depot, a hospital, potters' workshops, and a police station. Markets were arranged along streets dividing the outermost square. High walls with four gates enclosed the city. Villages featured a central Mangalav
Conclusion
This document reveals a sophisticated understanding of ancient Indian urban organization, emphasizing spatial segregation by occupation and caste as a foundational principle of town-planning. The detailed zoning for specific communities—from artisans to service workers—demonstrates a structured approach to social hierarchy and functional efficiency. The integration of religious infrastructure, such as gate temples and sacrificial spaces, underscores the interplay between urban design and spiritual life. The hierarchical arrangement of residential areas, with Brahmins and Kshatriyas occupying prime locations, reflects the societal values of the period. The emphasis on specialized zones for craftsmen, merchants, and laborers highlights a nuanced approach to economic and social stratification. These insights collectively illustrate how ancient Indian urban planning balanced practicality with cultural and religious imperatives, creating a cohesive yet stratified societal framework.