Vastusar Prakaran is an ancient text on architecture written
by Thakkura Fera in the 13th century AD. The text is in Prakrit
language and its Sanskrit version is not available. It was first published in
1946.
The text has three chapters devoted to the construction of
houses, murtis (vigraham) and temples. The first chapter includes soil testing,
orientation, ground plants, dimensions, palaces, and houses of common men. It
provides general rules regarding the precise laying of the plot as well as
instructions on sound house building.
The second chapter is on the making of linga murti and its
retinue. The clarity of information is admirable, according to the editor.
There is a description of Jaina iconography.
The third chapter deals mostly with the construction of a
Jaina shrine. This chapter consequently deals with the foundation, dimensions
of plinth, walls, towers and flag pole.
The data covered in this chapter on
foundation is of much relevance for present day building activity.
On the whole, this booklet is noteworthy for its clarity of presentation
and serves a textbook for engineers and iconographers.