Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 1 - Book Summary

The provided text is a partial index and several chapters from a book titled "Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 1" by Jagannath Ambaram. The book was published by Jagannath Ambaram and its first edition was in 1931. The catalog link points to JainQQ.org, indicating it is part of a collection of Jain literature. The text is primarily in Gujarati, with some Sanskrit terms and passages.

The book appears to be a comprehensive guide to architecture and sculpture from a Jain perspective, covering a wide range of topics related to building construction, temple design, and iconography.

Here's a summary of the content based on the provided pages:

Page 1-3: Introduction and Acknowledgements

"Aho Shrutgyanam": This phrase, meaning "Oh, the glory of scriptural knowledge," appears to be a recurring theme or motto associated with the publication project.
Book Restoration Project: The publication is part of an effort to restore and digitize old and rare Jain books.
List of Books: Page 1 presents a catalog of various Jain texts that have been scanned and made available, including philosophical, liturgical, and artistic works. "Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 1" is listed at item #080.
Support and Sponsors: Pages 2 and 3 mention various individuals and organizations who supported the restoration and publication, including the Shri Ashapurana Parshwanath Jain Gyan Bhandar and specific Jain monks and scholars.

Page 5-6: Title Page and Publication Details

Confirms the title: Bṛhad Śilpa Śāstra, Part 1 (બૃહદ્ શિલ્પ શાસ્ત્ર ભાગ ૧).
Author and Publisher: Jagannath Ambaram (જગન્નાથ અંબારામ).
Publication details: First edition in 1931 (સને ૧૯૩૧), with a print run of 500 copies.

Page 7: Dedication

The book is dedicated to the author's deceased brother, PTHURAM (પથુરામ), with heartfelt words expressing fraternal love and the hope that his literary aspirations could have been fulfilled.

Page 9: Preface (પ્રસ્તાવના)

The author, Jagannath Ambaram, expresses hope that this first volume of "Bruhad Shilpashastra" will be well-received by art-loving readers, encouraging him to release the subsequent volumes.
He highlights the critical state of ancient Indian sculptural knowledge, with many manuscripts decaying due to a lack of literacy among those who possess them.
The author laments the fading of these arts, even within the Jain community, due to modern influences.
He mentions that this book includes the second part of "Prasad Mandan," a work previously published by his father, Ambaram Vishvanath.
The book synthesizes information from various texts like "Prasad Mandan," "Ayatatva," "Kshiran," "Aparajit," "Vastushar," "Rajvallabh," "Balbodh," "Kundsiddhi," "Nirdosh," and modern treatises.
He appeals to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly to support the preservation and promotion of Indian art.
Despite his incomplete knowledge of Sanskrit, Gujarati, and other languages, his passion for art compelled him to publish this work based on his practical experience.
He thanks individuals like Marhum Bhagvanji Tulsidas and other well-wishers who assisted him.

Page 10-23: Table of Contents (અનુક્રમણિકા) This section provides a detailed chapter-wise breakdown of the book's content, covering a vast array of topics related to Shilpashastra. Key areas include:

Chapter 1: Origin of architecture and temple sculpture, types of measurement tools (Sutras), different types of measurements (Gaja), their uses, deities residing in lines, measurements for Yajna Kunds, etc.
Chapter 2: Principles of directional alignment for temples and residences based on the deity's orientation.
Chapter 3: Calculation of Rashi (zodiac sign) and Nakshatra (star constellation) for buildings, understanding Vyaya (expenditure), compatibility between Rashi and Nakshatra, and their influence on well-being.
Chapter 4: Understanding Graha Maitri (planetary friendship) and its application to buildings and their owners.
Chapter 5: Detailed explanations of Tithi (lunar day), Vara (day of the week), Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, Lagna (ascendant) for auspicious timings in Vastu and construction, including specific Muhurtas for water bodies, house foundation, and temple consecrations.
Chapter 6: Principles of Vastu Shanti (ritualistic appeasement of Vastu spirits), different Vastu grids (Padas) for various structures (64, 81, 49, 196 Padas), soil testing, and removal of Vastu defects.
Chapter 7: Detailed discussion on eliminating Vastu defects, addressing issues like Nabhi Vedha, Drishti Vedha, Pradakshina, Perinnala (drainage), tree placement, and structural integrity.
Chapter 8: Further insights into structural defects and remedies, including dealing with column placement, wall construction, door placement, and various auspicious and inauspicious configurations.
Chapter 9: Guidelines for planting trees around buildings, proper placement of entrances, handling of structural deviations, and considerations for multi-story buildings.
Chapter 10: Detailed explanations on measurements for floors, stairs, door frames, and wall thicknesses, as well as principles for dividing land for construction.
Chapter 11: Concepts related to Jagati (platform) for temples, its types, dimensions, proportions, and decorative elements.
Chapter 12: Information on building materials, including concrete, brickwork, and different types of stone construction, along with their properties and testing methods.
Chapter 13: Further discussion on wall construction, plinth (Pitha) types, and decorative elements of temple architecture like Mandovar and Toran.
Chapter 14: Details on various types of pillars (Stambha), door frames (Dwarshakha), and niches (Pabasan) with specific measurements and iconographic representations.
Chapter 15: Modern construction techniques, site selection, ventilation, foundation types, brickwork, plastering, flooring (stone, cement, jack arch, reinforced concrete), roofing (sheet metal, tiles), carpentry, and painting.

Page 24-25: Errata (शुद्धि पत्रम्)

A list of corrections for errors found in the text.

Page 26-28: Invocations and Deity References

Salutations to Ganesha, Saraswati, and Vishwakarma, who are considered the deities of architecture and craftsmanship.
Emphasis on following prescribed Vastu rules for both residential and religious buildings, with warnings of dire consequences (loss of wealth and family) for deviations.
Discussion on auspicious locations for building temples and the spiritual benefits derived from them.

Page 29-58: Chapters 1, 2, and 3 (Details)

Chapter 1 (Partially): Discusses the origin of Shilpashastra, its connection to the Vedas, and the classification of temple architecture into 14 types.
Chapter 2: Focuses on the directional placement of deities in temples and residences, emphasizing the importance of aligning the structure with the deity's iconography.
Chapter 3: Delves into astrological calculations related to building, including determining the Rashi and Nakshatra of a property and its owner, and understanding their compatibility using concepts like Ayadi calculations (income and expenditure).

Page 59-108: Chapters 3 (Continued), 4, 5, and 6 (Details)

Chapter 3 (Continued): Further elaborates on astrological compatibility, including the concept of Tara (stars) and the calculation of its auspiciousness.
Chapter 4: Discusses the concept of "Vair" (enmity) between Nakshatras and how to avoid it in construction, and the principle of planetary friendships (Graha Maitri).
Chapter 5: Details the auspiciousness of Tithis, Varas, Nakshatras, Yogas, and Karanas for various construction activities, including specific Muhurtas for wells, ponds, house foundations, and temple consecrations.
Chapter 6: Introduces Vastu Purusha Mandala and its application in building design, including different grid sizes (49, 64, 81, 196 Padas), soil testing, and the importance of Vastu Shanti.

Page 109-144: Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 (Details)

These chapters continue the in-depth exploration of Vastu principles, covering topics like:
- Eliminating Vastu defects (Vedha Shuddhi).
- Correct placement of architectural elements like doors, windows, and columns.
- Avoiding structural flaws and their consequences.
- Guidelines for planting trees around buildings.
- Proportions and measurements for various architectural components.
- Detailed explanations of different architectural styles like Nagara, Dravida, and Bhumija.
- Construction of plinths, walls, and decorative elements.
- Specific rules for Jain temples, including the number and placement of Jinalayas (smaller shrines).
- Iconography of various deities and their placement within temples.

Page 145-176: Chapters 13 (Continued), 14, and 15 (Details)

Chapter 13 (Continued): Further details on architectural styles, pillar proportions, and decorative features.
Chapter 14: Focuses on detailed measurements and proportions for door frames (Dwar), lintels (Umbera), architraves (Shakhavali), and decorative elements. It also discusses the appropriate placement and iconography of guardian deities for different directions and temple types.
Chapter 15: Introduces modern construction methods, covering site selection, space requirements, ventilation, foundation types (including piles and raft foundations), brickwork, plastering, various flooring techniques (stone, cement, concrete), roofing, carpentry, and painting. It also provides guidelines for calculating the lifespan of a building based on its construction materials.

Overall Impression:

"Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 1" appears to be a valuable and detailed resource for understanding traditional Indian architecture, particularly within the Jain tradition. It blends ancient Vastu Shastra principles with practical construction advice, astrological considerations, and iconographic rules. The book's meticulous approach to measurements, proportions, and the auspiciousness of various elements highlights the deep integration of spirituality and art in traditional Indian building practices. The author's dedication to preserving this knowledge and making it accessible is evident.