Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita

A Rare Text on Shilpa Shastra

(Ancient Indian Engineering Philosophy)

Edited by

Late K.V. Vaze, Nasik (MS)

1869 - 1929

Compiled & Re-edited by

Dr. A.S. Nene, Nagpur

Ishaan Publications Nagpur

2016

1
LIST OF CONTENTS

In the available references (quoted by K.V. Vaze), on

Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita, the Sanskrit shloka(Verse)
number is not mentioned. Even the chapter number for
few verses is missing or apparently incorrect. However,
the list of contents could be as below.

2
 List of Contents

Topic of the chapter Page

Prologue by Editor 04
Terminology 05
1-Krushi Shastra-Biological Science 12

2-Jala Shastra-Water Resources 16

3-Khani Shastra-Mining & Metallurgy 19

4-Nauka Shastra-Water Transport 24

5-Rath Shastra-Surface Transport 26

6-Viman Shastra-Air Transport #

7-Vastu Shastra-Habitation 29

8-Prakar Shastra-Forts& Castles #

9-Nagar Rachana Shastra- Town Planning 46

10-Yantra Shastra-Machines #
Appendix 51
List of References 63
About the Editor 64
** No Sanskrit verse could be traced on this topic

3
 PROLOGUE

Sage Bhrugu is considered as one of the seven immortal

sages (Saptarshee). Matsya puraN, chapter 252,
describes eighteen divine engineers of ancient India.
Sage Bhrugu was first in that list. These engineers
developed their own style of engineering, which was
adopted in different parts of India. Out of these
eighteen Kashyapa, Bhrugu, Maya and Vishvakarma are
well known because of their texts (Samhitas).One can
find reference of Sage Bhrugu in Shiva PuraN and Vayu
PuraN also. The world famous text by Sage Bhrugu is
“Bhrugu-Samhita. This book (world’s oldest on Indian
Astrology) is easily available in India and abroad. But
unfortunately his another text “Bhrugu Shilpa-
Samhita“, is not available in India.

Sage Bhrugu divided the entire science and technology

of India, i.e. Shilpa-shastra into three volumes, ten
engineering sciences, thirty-two techniques and sixty-
four skills. The classification by Sage Bhrugu is unique.
Many of the techniques and skills mentioned by him still
exist. Sage Bhrugu initiated the technique of tunneling
and described the construction of hill roads. As Sage
Kashaya re-established the land Kashmir
4
(Kashyapamir), similarly Sage Bhrugu re-established
the land of Bhadoch (in Gujarat).

During 1924-1929, Krishnaji Vinayak Vaze, a Civil

Engineer from Nasik (MS) compiled and published many
books and articles on Shilpa shatra. He quoted
hundreds of Sanskrit verses from few pages of Bhrugu
Shilpa-Samhita (which he collected from a personal
library at Ujjain, M.P.). Shri Vaze and many others tried
to obtain the full text of the book, but could not succeed.
It is understood that it may be available in some
Sanskrit language library in Germany. Except Vaze
none of the other Indologist have even mentioned this
rare book in their books and articles.

This editor, therefore, decided to collect all the verses

of Bhrugu Shilpa- Samhita and to arrange them in
order, to get a glimpse this rare book. The booklet
presented here is the outcome. If some Indians settled
in foreign countries come forward to trace the original
manuscript, it would be a great service.

Dr. A.S. Nene September 2016

5
 0- TERMINOLOGY

0.01 Shilpa - The Sanskrit word has a very wide

meaning, other than sculpture or idol. Shilpa includes
many articles (things), machines, innovations, metals,
and artificial means. Shilpa -The word Shilpa is derived
from words Sheel samadhou which mean anything that
please the mind. Sage Bhrugu has given a definition of
Shilpa.SV0.01, Ref.1 page 2. Ref.2 page 8. Ref.3 page
5.

0.02 Vidya- Vidya means a technique. One must have

both theoretical and practical knowledge of that subject.
There are thirty-two Vidyas related to Shilpashashtra.

Four types of Vidyas: The word ‘Vidya’ is derived

from root ’Vid’ of knowledge. Depending upon the
method of acquiring there are four types of Acharya
(Teacher), Vinaya (the result) and Niyama (rules of
behavior. SV2.14. Ref.2 page 84.

Kala - Kala means an art which can be acquired by

practice and observation. Even a handicapped person
can be expert in a particular art without any theoretical

6
knowledge. There are sixty-four Kalas related to
Shilpashashtra. SV 0.02 ,Ref.1 page 2.Ref.3 page 14.

0.03 Extent of Shilpa shastra: Bhrugu Samhita is a

compilation of rules specified by Sage Bhrugu. The
entire Shilpa Shastra comprises of three volumes,
namely, ‘Dhatu (Resource), ‘Sadhana’ (Transportation)
and ‘Vastu ‘(Habitation. SV0.03. Ref.2 page 39.

0.04 Dhatu Khand (Volume on resources) – This

volume comprises of ‘Krushee’ (Biological Science), Jala
(Water resources) and Khani (Mineral resources).
SV0.04. Ref.32 page. SV 0.4 .Ref.2 page 39.

0.05 Scope of Dhatu Khand (Volume on resource):

Krushee shastra deals with birth, growth and use of
tress, human and animals. SV 0.05 , Ref.3 page.

0.06 Saadhana Khand(Transportation): This

volume comprises of three shastras namely Ratha
(Surface),Nauka (Water) and Viman (Air)
transportation. SV0.06. Ref.3 page. Ref.2 page 126.

0.07 Vastu Khand (Habitation): This volume also

comprises of three shastra(s) namely Construction of

7
houses, Forts and castles and town planning. SV0.07.
Ref.32

0.08 Krushee shastra: KruShee shastra (Biological

Science) includes Trees, animal and humans. (These all
have to pass through three stages namely birth, growth
and decay).SV0.08.

0.09 Jalashastra: Jala shastra (Water resource

engineering) includes storage, distribution and
drainage of water. SV0.09, Ref.3 page 11.

0.10 Khani Shastra: Khani Shastra (Mining and

Metallurgy) includes exploration of stone, minerals,
metals ores and gem stones. SV0.10. Ref.3 page 11.

0.11 Water transportation: There are three types of

vehicles for transportation on water. First one moves
along the flow of water (Taree), Second one uses sails
to increase the speed (Nau) and the third one (Nauka)
uses both sails and oars (Aritra) SV 0.11. Ref.3 page
12.

8
0.12 Surface transport -Chariot: The land vehicle is
called ‘Ratha’ (chariot). This vehicle is fitted with two,
four or more wheels. SV0.12, Ref.3 page 12.

0.13 Air transport -Aeroplane: The vehicle used for

air travel is called Vimaan or Vyomayan (Aeroplane).
SV0.13, Ref.3 page 12.

Sanskrit Verses

नानविधानाां िस्तूना यांत्राणाां कल्पसांपदाम ् ।

धातूनाां साधनानाां च िास्तूनाां शिल्पसांज्ञितम ् ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. १
SV0.01- Definition of Shilpa

विद्यानाां यथास्िां आचायं प्रमाण्यां विनयो शनयमश्च ॥ भ्रुगस

ु हां िता अ ?
SV0.02a- Four types of Vidyas

यद्यत्सस्याव्दाशचकां सम्यक्कमम विद्येशत सांज्ञितम ् ।

िक्तो मूकोऽवप यत्सकतुं कलासांिां तत्तत्सस्मृतम ्॥
विद्या ह्यनांताश्च कला: सांख्यातुां नैि िक्यते ।
विद्या मुख्यास्तु व्दावत्रांिच्चतु:ज्ञटि: कला: स्मृता: ॥
भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. १
SV0.02b- Definition of Vidya and Kala

धातूनाां साधनानाां च िास्तूनाां शिल्प सांज्ञितां॥ भ्रुगस

ु हां िता अ. १
SV 0.03- Extent of Shilpa shastra

9
 कृ षीजलां खशनश्चेशत धातुखांडां वत्रधामतां॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. १
SV 0.04- Definition of Dhatu Khand

िृक्षाहद प्रसिारोप पालनाहद हिया कृ षी: ।

सांचेतन सांिरणां जलानाां स्तांभनां जलां ॥
पाषाण धात्सिाहद दृशतस्तदभस्मीकरणां तथा ।
धातु साांकयं पाथमक्य करणाहद हिया खशन: ॥
भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. १
SV 0.05-Scope of Biological Sciences

नौका- रथाज्ञनन-यानानाां कृ शत: साधनमुच्चते भ्रुगस

ु हां िता
अश्वाहदकां तु यद्यान भूशमयानां स्थले ज्ञस्थतां ॥
जले नौकैियानां तज्जलयान शमशतस्मृतां । भ्रुगस
ु हां िता
अज्ञननयानां विमानांस्याद् व्योमयानां तदे िच ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ ५
SV 0.06-Scope of Sadhan Khand

िेश्मप्राकार नगररचना िास्तु सांज्ञितां । भ्रुगस

ु हां िता अ. १
SV 0.07- Definition of Vastu Khand

िृक्षाहदप्रसिारोपपालनाहदहिया कृ वष: ॥ भ्रुगस

ु हां िता अ.१
SV0.08- Krushee shastra

सांचेतन,सांिरण जलानाां स्तांभनां जलां ॥ भ्रुगस

ु हां िता
SV 0.09- Jala shastra

10
पाषाणधात्सिाहददृशतस्तभ्दस्मीकरणां तथा ।
धातुसाांकयमपाथमक्यकरणाहदां हिया खशन:॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ .१
SV 0.10- Khani Shastra

जले नौकेि यानां स्याद् ।सोमेन नीता तरी ।

पिमानसोमाभ्याां नौ: ।अररत्राहदशभजमलिायुमानिैनौका ॥
भृगस
ु हां िता अ .१
SV 0.11- Water transportation

भूशमयानां रथां स्मृतां ॥ भृगस

ु हां िता
SV 0.12-Chariot

आकािे अज्ञननयानां च व्योमयानां तदे िहि ॥

SV 0.13-Aero plane

11
1 KRUSHEE SHASTRA-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

1.0 Vidyas: This shastra contains three techniques as

below;

Vrikshya Vidya - Botany;

Pashu Vidya - Veterinary Sciences;
Manushya Vidya – Human resources.

1.1-Scope of Dhatu Khand (Volume on resource):

Krushee shastra deals with birth, growth and use of
tress, human and animals. Storage, distribution and
drainage of water is included in Jala shastra.
Exploration of rocks, ores and minerals, Separation or
alloys of metals etc is included in Khani shastra. SV
1.01. Ref.2 page 40.

Vrikshya vidya- Botany

1.2- Types of cloths: Animals' skin was called Krutti.

Such skins were first used as cloth for shelter and then
as clothing. Subsequently tree barks were used as
clothing. Silk, wool and cotton was then used to prepare
cloths. Vedas do not mention cotton as cotton cloth was
invented later. SV 1.02. Ref. 1, page 26.

12
Pashuvidya- Animal care

1.3a- Utility of a cow :Cows eat and digest grass and

give milk for all and satisfy children, old and unhealthy
persons. Who says that cows are unaffordable? As per
Sage Parashar, cow’s urine is best medicine for human
bones and intestines and questions which part of a cow
in inauspicious? Though cow’s urine, cow dung, milk,
curd and ghee are precious medicines, but care should
taken about their purity. SV1.03, Ref.4.

1.3b Cows unsuitable for milking: Cows, Weak,

deceased, violent or which gave birth to twins, are
prohibited from milking. Only a pious (clean?) person
should do the milking job. SV1.04,Ref. 4.

1.3c- Time for milking: Wise men milk cows in the

morning only. One should not milk the tired cows
returning home in the evening. SV1.05, Ref.4.

1.3d- Essential fodder: Proper food is essential for

animals. Their health depends on their food. It is
therefore necessary to take the animals out to a green
land away from home so these animals eat properly.
SV1.06, Ref. 4.

13
1.2f- Scrubbing: The animals get a pleasure when
their bodies are occasionally scrubbed some tools. If
such arrangement is not made the animals get injured
by rubbing against a wall or trees. SV1.07, Ref.4.

Sanskrit Verses

िृक्षाहद प्रसिारोप पालनाहद हिया कृ षी: ।

सांचेतन सांिरणां जलानाां स्तांभनां जलां ॥
पाषाण धात्सिाहद दृशतस्तदभस्मीकरणां तथा ।
धातु साांकयं पाथमक्य करणाहद हिया खशन: ॥
भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. १
SV 1.01-Scope of Biological Sciences

पिूनाअांगशनिामर: कृ वत्त कृ वत्तररत्सयुच्यते बुधै:।

िृक्षत्सिक्सांभिां िाक्षं तज्िेयां तु चतुविमधम ् ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. १४
SV 1.02- Types of cloths

गािोिजाशतर तस्मात्तस्याज्जाता अजािय: ॥

अनादे यां तृनज
ां नधा स्त्रिस्युतहु दनांपय: ।
तृशिदां दे िता दीनाां गाि: पोटया कांधनहि ॥
िकूनमुर्आहद यस्यास्तु पीतां दिशत पातकां ।
हकमपूज्याहित स्यागोररशत पारािरोव्रिीत ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ.?
SV1.03-Utility of a cow

14
 दब
ु ल
म ा व्याशध: भीता पुज्ञज्यतायाज्ञव्दित्ससांभ:ू ।
तागािोनैि दोनधया धशनकै धमामशभत्ससुशभ: ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता ?
SV1.04- Cows unsuitable

प्रातरे िहिद्गनध व्या सायांगातोि ब्राम्िणै: ।

दोनधुहिम पण सोनैि िधंशतता: कदाचन ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता ?
SV1.05-Time for milking

अन्नांतु जगदाधारां सिममन्ने त्रविज्ञननतां ।

न दरु े गौश्चनेतव्या चारणाय कदाचन ॥
सांपश्येच्चरत: सिामन ् गोिृषाहदक स्ियांगि
ृ ी ।
शचांतयेस्तममात्समी याांत्सस्ियमेि कृ षी व्रजेत ्॥ भृगस
ु हां िता ?
SV1.06-Essential fodder

िज्ञजगोिृषाला सुसत
ु ीक्ष्णां लोि: यैनक ।
स्थानयांतु सिमदा तेषाां कांडू यन विमोक्षिृद्॥ भृगस
ु हां िता ?
SV1.07- Scrubbing

15
2 JALASHASTRA –WATER RESOURCES
ENGINEERING

2.0 Vidyas: The tree Vidyas under this shastra are;

Sanchetan Vidya – Water Distribution

SamharaN Vidya – Water Drainage
Stambhan Vidya - Water Storage

2.1-Water Storage -Stambhan Vidya

The art of storage of water was termed as "Stambhan

Vidya" Sage Bhrugu has described the properties of
static water as below; Ref 2. Page 109 and 110

1. The top surface of static water is always

horizontal, irrespective of its depth or cross
section.
2. The water is very unsteady; it escapes if there is
little scope.
3. The pressure exerted by water is same in all
directions.
4. The water pressure is equivalent to its weight. It
increases with the depth.

16
 5. Waves are created in water due to wind. Waves
move like a rolling pin and recede afterward.
6. The banks should be sloping to reduce the
damage due to waves.

2.2 Drainage and dewatering- Samharan Vidya

Dewatering of land: If a land is waterlogged then the

water should be drained out by digging drains parallel
to north east and refilling the trenches by brickbats and
stones so that excess water drains out. SV2.01 Ref.1
page 11.

Automatic gates: Automatic gates are provided inn

dams to remove silt deposits. The axis of these gates is
at one-third the height of gates so these gates functions
properly. Ref. SV2.02. Ref.1 page 12.

Sanskrit Verses

अनूपां जलपांकमयां दे िां पूिोत्तखामत्तशभररिकोपलपूररता

शभग शभरास्त्राियेत ् ॥भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. ८
SV2.01- Drainage of water

पांक्क्षालनशसद्ग्यथं प्रिािाकषणामय च ।
यथाशभलवषतान व्दारान ् वपधानो्दाटनक्षमान ् ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. १२

17
SV2.02 - Automatic gates

18
 3-KHANI SHASTRA-MINING & METALLURGY

3.1-Rock Formation: The land between Vindhya and

Sahyadri mountains is formed by igneous (Aganeya)
rocks and land between Vindhya and Himalaya
mountains is formed by sedimentary (Soumya) rocks.
The flora and fauna in these lands is hot and dry or cold
and juicy respectively. SV 3.01, Ref.3 page 35.

Types of Stones: Meteoric stones (Divya) are those

fallen from space and Territorial stones (Bhouma) are
those formed the crust of the earth. SV 3.02. Ref.2
page 112.

3.2 Identification Tests on metals: There are eight

types of tests for metals. These are Anga, Roop,
Jaatee,Netra ,Arishtha,Bhumika, Dhwani and Maan.
SV3.03, Ref.3.Page 154.

Cross-section (Anga)- In the test the metal piece is

cut or drilled. The inspection of cross-section is first
test. SV3.04, Ref.3.,Page 154.

Color (Roop): Every metal has its own color. The color
can be blue, black, red, yellow etc. SV3.05, Ref.3.,Page
155.
19
Caste (Jaatee):The metal has its own positive or
negative properties by which metal can be identified.
SV3.06, Ref.3, Page 155.

Trade mark (Netra): As humans can be identified by

eyes, similarly trade mark of manufacturer (in addition
to the cross-section) helps in identification. has its own
positive or negative properties by which metal can be
identified. SV3.07, Ref.3.,Page 155.

Purity (Arishtha): Few metals are marked (by

experts) with its percentage of purity. Ref.3.08, Page
155.

Origin (Bhoomi): The mine from which the metal ore

is excavated is its origin. Ref.3.09, Page 155.

Sound (Dhwani)-The sound emitted when a metal is

struck by metal, helps in the identification. The
engineer should know the different sounds of metals .
Ref.3.10, Page 155.

Section (Maan)- The metals are cast into different

sections (circular or square rods, angles, channels or
beams etc) for end users. Ref.3.11, Page 156.

20
Un-decisive test: Metals can be plated with gold or
silver. Inspection of metal by its cross-section and
sound is the un-decisive methods of identification.
Ref.3.12, Page 156.

Sub-division of identification tests: Each

identification test has many subdivisions as mentioned
below;

Cross-section (Anga)- 100

Color (Roop)- 4
Caste (Jaatee)- 4
Trade mark (Netra) – 30
Purity (Arishtha) – 30
Origin (Bhoomi) – 2
Sound (Dhwani)- 8
Section (Maan)- In-numerable. SV 3.13,
Ref.3.12, Page 156.
Sanskrit Verses

आननेयाविां्यसह्याद्या: सौम्यो हिमशगरे स्तत: ।

अतस्तदोषधाशन स्य: अनुरूपाज्ञण िे तशु भ:॥ भृगस
ु हां िता
SV 3.01 -Rock Formation

हदव्यभौम विभागेन भूशसस्तु हिविधामता ।

हदव्याहदविसमुभ्दत
ू ा भौमाभूशम समुभ्दिा: ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ ?

21
 SV 3.02- Types of Stones

अांगां रुपां तथा जाशतनेत्राररिे च भूशमका।

्िशनमामज्ञन्मशत प्रोक्तां धातुिानािकां िुभां ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता
SV 3.03- Identification of metals

अशभन्ने दृश्यते कीदृग ् विशभन्न घटते कथां ।

शभन्ने प्रदश्यते शचन्िां तदंग सांप्रच्क्षते॥
SV 3.04-Cross-section

नीलकृ टणाहदको िणो रूपशमत्सयशभधीयते ॥

SV 3.05-Color

येनि
ै यत्सप्रतीतां स्यात्तज्जाशतररशत गद्यते ॥
SV 3.06-Caste

अांगाशतररक्तां यज्जाशतस्तन्मािात्सम्योपसूचकम ्।
तन्नेत्रशमशत जानीयात स्पिां धातुवििारद: ॥
SV 3. 07-Trade mark

अांगाशतररक्तां य्दातौ तच्छु्दत्सयोपसूचकम ् ।

तदररिशमशत प्रािुशनमत्सयां धातुवििारदा ॥
SV 3.08-Purity

दे िस्थानाहदकां भूशम:।
SV 3.09 –Origin

22
 धातो यो आयते िब्दोनखदां डाहदना िते ।
स ्िशनररशत वििेय: शिल्पिास्त्रवििारदै :॥
SV 3.10 -Sound

धातूनाां विविधां मानां शिल्पकमोशचतां भिेत ्।

शभन्नदे िखशनभ्यश्च उन्मानशमशत गद्यते ॥
SV 3.11-Section

पांचात्र शनपुणैधामतौ सांभाव्यांते च कृ वत्रमा:।

व्दािेिाकृ वत्रमौ िेयौ याित्र सिजो स्मृतौ ॥
SV 3.12-Un-decisive test

ितभांगाशन चत्सिारर रूपाज्ञण जातयस्तथा ।

वत्रांिस्त्रेत्राज्ञण जानीयादररिाशन तथैि च ॥
भूशमस्तु ज्ञव्दविधा िेया ्िशनरिविधो मत: ।
मानां तु विविधां प्रोक्तां सिेषाां सांग्रिो मत: ॥
SV 3.13-Sub-division of identification tests

23
 4 –Nauka Shastra- Water Transport

Navigation -Nauvidya

4.1 - Definition of Boat: One which is suitable for wind

and water current is called Nau or boat. Ships and
launches sailing on sea are of this type. Boats and ships
are used for river transport. Ref. SV 4.01, Ref. 1, page
24

4.2- Jetties on sea: Construction of jetties is similar

to bridge construction. The length should be such that
it is useful both in high and low tides of sea. For rivers
Ghats with steps, are constructed. Such Ghats are
suitable both for men and boats. SV.4.02. Ref. 1, page
24.

Sanskrit Verses

पिमानसोमाभ्याां नीता नौ: ॥ भ्रुगस

ु हां िता अ. १०
SV 4.01 - Definition of Boat

समुद्राज्जांपदां प्रिेिुां शनटकशमतु िा सेतब

ु ध
ां नौकाश्रयाथमः ।

सा च सरज्ञणिद व््सनोदयेश्ववप नािाश्रयोपयुक्तः स्यात॥

SV4.02 - Jetties on sea

24
CHAPTER 5-RATHASHATRA –SURFACE
TRANSPORT

5.1 – Slope of Hill roads: Bhrugusamhita compares a

hill road with a creeper climbing on a tall tree by gradual
rising. The text recommends that the slope for hill roads
should be 1 to 16 and the surface should be sloping
towards the hill side. Ref.SV5.01. Ref. 1, page 23.

The hill road should be strong. It should be partly rising

and partly sloping. There should be drain for water.
SV5.02. Ref. 1, page 23.

5.2 Camber for Hill roads: The surface of hill road

should be sloping towards hill so that water is collected
in a drain and the slope is stable. The city road is sloping
inside but hill road should be high at outer edge and low
at edge near the hill. SV5.03. Ref.1.page 23

5.3 Construction of a tunnel: If the hill is surrounded

by plan ground, it is desirable to construct a tunnel. The
tunnel excavation should be started from both end till it
trough. Such tunnel was called ‘Bhrugudar’( an opening
deviced by Sage Bhrugu). SV5.04, Ref.1.page 23

25
5.4 Utility of a bridge: As a tunnel is necessary to
cross a mountain, a bridge is necessary to cross a river.
The bridge should be strong and of minimum length.
Initially it is costly but it is economically cheap in long
term. An irrigation canal which crosses a valley is
termed as Aal (super passage). SV5.05. Ref. 1, page
24.

5.5 Toll for bridge: Transportation over a bridge is

more convenient than loading and unloading the goods
on a boat to cross the river. The bridge tax should be
lower the ferry rate so people can afford it. SV5.06.
Ref. 1, page 24.

5.6 Types of chariots: The chariots can be of nine

types having wheels from two to nine in numbers. Two-
wheeler is common, three-wheeler is stable. The nine-
wheeler chariot is called ‘Rathatar’. SV5.07, Ref. 2,
page 141.

5.7 Construction details of a chariot: A chariot is

built by joining different parts such as frame, wheels,
steel reams on wheels etc. The four joints to be properly
nailed are; SV5.09. Ref. 2, page 142.

1. main shaft and frame

26
 2. main shaft and cross beam (for tying to horses),
3. Axle and the frame
4. Pin fixing wheels to axles.
5.8 Significance of Chariot: The chariots are used at
the time of Throne ceremony, religious functions or
battles. Elephants are used for ceremonial parade.
SV5.0.9 Ref. 2, page 143.

5.9 Timber for chariot construction: The timbers of

few specified trees are recommended for construction
of a chariot. SV5.10. Ref. 2, page 141.

Sanskrit Verses

शगरे रारोिणां कुयामद िृक्षारोिीलतासमम ्।

आयामषोडिोभागाद् िीनांस्याद उच््यां सदा ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. १०
SV5.01- Slope of hill road

शगरोनेःसरणां कुयामदिरोिारोिणात्समक् ।
शगरे स्तटात्ससांसराज्ञणः प्रस्त्रिणाांतररता भिेत ्
डमयोरां तरे स्तोतः प्रस्त्रिणाथम सदा भिेत ् ।
भृगु सांहिता अ १०
SV5.02 – Drainage of Hill roads

म्यशनम्नः पुरे ग्रामे िहिःस्त्रािी समे स्थले ।

अांतःस्तािी भिेतपांथा शगरएरारोिणे सदा ॥

27
 शगरे रांतभेदीयः पांथास्तज्ञव्दिरां स्मृतम ्।
अांतद्रम व्यानुसारे ण तस्य बांधनशमटयते ॥
भृगु सांहिता अ १०
SV5.03 - Camber for Hill roads

शगरे रांतभेदीय: पांथास्तज्ञव्दिरां स्मृतम ् ।

अांतद्रम िानसारे ण तस्य बांधनशमटयते ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. १०
SV5.04 –Tunnel construction

शगरे यथ
म ािज्ञव्दिरां नद्याां सेतस्
ु तथोच्चते ।
समोिस्ितमः पांथा व्ययकारी सुखाशधकः ॥
भृगस
ु हां िता अ ११
SV5.05 - Utility of a bridge

िे मत
ां ग्रीटमतायामसु नदीषु नौकातरणतः सेतब
ु ध
ां ः श्रेयाां ।
पण्यमानेन सेतम
ु प
ु युज
ां ानो यात्रिेतनां दद्युः ॥
भृगस
ु हां िता अ ११
SV506 - Toll for bridge

रथोनिविधा: प्रोक्त: सच्चि विभेदत:।

हिचिां सिमकायेषु वत्रचिां शनत्सयमेिच ॥
वत्रचिोिाचतुश्च्क्ि: पांचिट् सिचियुक्।
निािचियुक्तोिा निचिो रथांतर: ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ ?
SV5.07- Types of chariots

28
अथ: वपांडैश्चकीलैश्व्ि स्िाग्रस्िाग्रकीलैमि
म त्तरै :।
बांधयेत्तस्य रक्षाथं यथादृढातरां भिेत ् ॥
अक्षयोरां तरां तत्र नेशमतार शमशतस्मृतां ।
िलयाहदअय: पट्टां चतुथब
म ध
ां नां भिेत ् ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ ?
SV 5.08-Construction details of a chariot

सिमराज्याशभषेकेच राजयु्दे मिोत्ससिे ॥

मांगले दे िपूजायाां सोमयागे तथैिच ।
इशतषट्कमामकालेषु रथारोिणशभटयते ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ ?
SV5.09-Significance of Chariot

िाक जाशतांच दीरां च शिररषांचाजुन

म ां तथा ।
शनांबच
ां वपशितांचैि कट् फलां मधुकां तथा ॥
क्षीररणा खहदरां चैि खहदरां कालबांधनां ।
चुतच
ां पनसचैि नागां पुन्नागमेिच ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ .?
SV5.10-Timber for chariot construction

29
 Chapter 7 –Veshma Shastra- Habitation

7.0 –Vidyas (Techniques) under Veshma shastra are,

SN Sanskrit Name Meaning

20 Waso Vidya Tents
21 Kutti Vidya Mud houses or Huts
22 Mandir Vidya Houses
23 Prasad Vidya Palaces

7.1 Definition of Vastu Khand (Habitation): This

volume also comprises of three shastras namely
Construction of houses, Forts and castles and town
planning. SV 7.01. Ref.2 page 40.

7.2 Team workers of Engineer: The team comprises

of five types of workers

1. Sutradhar-Chief architect or engineer.

2. Ganitadna- Overseer
3. PuraNadnya –Mason.
4. Karmadnya- Skilled worker
5. Karoo – Un-skilled worker Ref.3,page 43
7.3 Qualities of an engineer: The essential qualities
of an engineer are; The person should be Susheel (Of

30
good character),Chatoor (Intelligent) and Dakshya
(Allert). He should have the knowledge of principles of
engineering and also of the tools to be used. SV 7.02-
Ref.2 page 42. Ref.3. page 44.

7.4 Section of site for construction: A suitable site

for any construction is essential. Hence site selection is
first part. Earth is the first basic element
(Panchamahabhootaa). SV 7.03. Ref.3, page 96.

7.5 Identification tests for soils: Following tests are

necessary.

a) VarNa (Class)
b) Gandha (Smell)
c) Rasa(Taste)
d) Aakar (Shape of grains)
e) Dik (Slope of plot)
f) Shabda(Sound)
g) Sparsh (Touch) SV 7.04. Ref.3 page 97.
a - Color: The color of soil can be white, red, and
yellow in order preference. But soil with black color is
not suitable for construction. SV 7.05., Ref.3, page 97.

31
b smell: The smell of soil can be similar to that of
clarified butter, blood, oil or fish. The soil having smell
of fish is not desirable. SV7.06, Ref.3, page 97.

c - Taste: The taste of soil can be sweet, pungent, sour

or bitter. Soil with bitter taste is not desirable. SV7.07,
Ref.3, page 98.

d - Shape of grains: The grains of soil can be circular,

square, hexagonal or octagonal. Soil with circular grain
is not desirable. SV7.08, Ref.3, page 98.

e - Slope of plot: The ground should be slopping

towards east or north but not towards south. SV7.09,
Ref.3, page 99.

f- Sound of ground: The sound of ground, when

stroked with hammer, should be Gambhir (deep).
SV7.10, Ref.3, page 100.

g- Touch of ground: The touch of ground should warm

in winter and cold in summer.

7.6 Building Materials: Stones, bricks, wood, soil,

metals and precious stones are recommended as
32
building material.SV7.11, Ref. 2, page 158,Ref.3, page
109.

7.7 Selection of building Material: Following

properties of a material have to be considered in
selecting it.

VarNa (Class)
Gender (type of Strength)
Vaya ( Age for birth)
Avastha (Effect of age on it).
The material, depending upon these properties,
has to be processed before its use. SV7.12.
Ref.2 page 56.Ref.3 page 109.
Life spans: Depending upon the age, the material
passes through four life spans, namely
Childhood(Baalatwa), Kaumaar (Youth), Vadhakya (Old
age) and Death (Nidhan).Any material in the first or last
spans are not suitable. SV7.13. Ref.2 page 58.Ref.3
page 114.

7.8 - Building materials: As per Bhrugusamhita,

bricks and stones, which are suitable for columns, are
described below. SV7.14. Ref. 1, page 32.

33
7.9 Application of building materials

a. Soil: Not much importance is given for adobe

construction by Bhrugu as he preferred stones.

b. Bricks (Ishtika)

Brick Kiln -The brick kiln should be ignited with dry

wood from tamarind or Palash tree. Dry grass, rice husk
and wood chips should also be used as fuel.SV7.15,
Ref.3, page 130

Quality bricks : Detailed information about types of

bricks and process of manufacture is are given Maya
Samhita and Kashyapa Samhita.As per Bhrugu
Samhita, the bricks should be properly fired,smooth,
with proper shape and without holes.SV7.16, Ref.3,
page 131

c- Lime (Sudha): Bhrugu Samhita describes in detail

the process of preparation of lime mortar. Lime stones
are excavated from underground mines or from lime
stone boulders found on ground. These lime stones are
calcinated (burnt) using wood logs. The material is
quenched (cooled) with water. It results into a slaked

34
lime. The material is sieved through sieves to remove
stones and other impurities. Lime mortar is prepared
by mixing with sand (1.5 to 2 times). Lime mill is used
to pulverize the mortar. The material should fill the
trough up to half of its height. Water is added during
the process. The lime mill with vertical stone wheel
moving in circular horizontal motion is call
“Putbhedchakra yantra”. SV7.17, Ref.3, page 133.

d- Lime plaster- Ancient Indian text Bhrugusamhita

contains a detailed description of preparation of lime
plaster material (Sunla). The steps involved in the
preparation are as below;

1. Wash and dry fine sand

2. Sieve slaked lime to separate coarser materials.

3. Cut cotton fibers into very fine pieces.

4. Cook three food grains (Trijava) – Rice, Wheat and

Barley (equal parts).

5. Cook powdered banana.

Mix all the above ingredients in the proportion given

below;

35
Fine sand -1 part; Slaked lime – 1 part; cooked grains
– half part; Cooked Banana powder – Half par; Cotton
fibers – half part.

A decoction of Trifala (Amla, Hirda and Behada) and

white Kathha (White Catechu) is sometimes added to
the plaster material prepared (as mentioned above).
While plastering a solution of jiggery is applied to the
finished surface. The surface becomes hard and smooth
after few days. SV7.18 Ref.3,page

e- Building stones (Shail): Stones from unsuitable

sites, such as graveyards, land full of ant hills or snake
or polluted land.The stones should be tested before
selection and use.SV7.19,Ref.3,page 136.

f- Timber for construction

Cutting of a tree for timber: The axe should be

sharpened by use of milk, oil etc. The first cut should
be about 15-20 cm above ground to assess the age of
a tree. Oozing of water indicates the tree is under
grown. Oozing of juice indicates the tree is fit to
cut.SV7.20, Ref.3, page 144.

36
g- Collection of tree logs: Before cutting the whole
tree, branches have to be cut. Adequate space should
be available around the tree to be cut. The tree log to
be used for main column should be covered with white
cloth and transported using a vehicle. SV7.21,
Ref.3,page 145.

h- Preservation of timber: The wood deteriorates due

to loss of oily substance. Hence the wood should be
painted to avoid the losses. An oil coat

should be applied, every year after rainy season. After

the wood is well dried

it may stored for preservation.

i - Seasoning of timber: The tree logs should be

placed on sand, with top of the tree facing east or north
for six months without moving, till drying is
complete.SV7.23, Ref.3, page 145.

j- Testing tree prior to cutting: A hole should be

drilled with a sharp tool and the hollowness should be
tested by striking with a hammer. SV7.24, Ref.3, page
145.

37
k- Tree classification: The table 3.6 below describes
the four fold classification system.SV7.25, Ref.3, page
147

Table 7.1-Four fold classification system of

Trees
Core of the wood Class Example
Nihsaar-Hard Brahmin- First Banyan or Holy
core missing class fig tree etc.#
Antasaar- Hard Kshyatriya - Jack fruit,
core inner side Second class Mango etc.
Bahihsaar- Hard Vaishya-Third Coconut,
Bamboo etc
core outer side- class

Sarvasaar- Hard Shudra –Forth Babool,

Tamarind etc
core throughout- class
# Such trees are immortal and therefore worshiped

l- Suitable tree: The trees, to be used for construction,

should be strong, straight and which withstood heat,
wind and rain for years. The trees with no hard core
should not be used. Ebony tree (Shishampa) is good for
all purposes.SV7.26, Ref.3, page 149.

m- Gender of Tree: A tree with many branches,

straight and round trunk from bottom to top is
38
considered as ‘male’. A tree with broad trunk at bottom
and narrow at top is considered as ’female’. A tree with
broad trunk at top and narrow at bottom is considered
as ‘neutral’. Male and female trees are used for column
and beam respectively. SV7.27, Ref.3, page 150.

7.10 Good neighborhood: Physique, hearts and

minds of neighbors should be similar, in short their
culture should be similar then only the neighborhood
becomes comfortable. SV7.28. Ref. 2, page 156.

7.11 Roofing of houses: Roofs of mud house can be

of grass. But brick houses can be provided with a roof
of metal sheets and decorated with precious stones.
SV7.29. Ref. 2, page 158.

7.12 Open spaces- A house having width of 24 ‘hasta’

(12 m) should have a open space of width of 14 ‘hasta’
( 7 m.)

7.13-Payment to workers: After the completion of

construction work, the workers have to be suitably paid.

Chief architect or engineer -50%

Second officers- 12.5%
Third officers -12.5 %

39
 Forth officer -25%. SV7.31, Ref.3. Page 47.

Sanskrit Verses

िेश्मप्राकार नगररचना िास्तु सांज्ञितां । भ्रुगस

ु हां िता अ. १
SV7.01- Definition of Vastu Khand

सूत्रधार- सुिीलश्चतुरोदक्ष: शिल्पिास्त्रस्य तत्सिविद्।

सूत्राणाां धारणे िाता सूत्रधार: स उच्चते ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ.?
SV7.02 -Qualities of an engineer
भूतानामाहदभूत्त्िादधारत्सिाज्जगज्ञत्सस्थते: ।
पूिं भूशमां पररक्षेत साधनां तदनांतरच ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ.४
SV7.03 - Five basic elements

िणमगध
ां रसाकारहदक्िब्दस्पिमनरै वप ।
पररक्ष्यैि यथायोनयां गृिीयाद्गद्रव्यमुत्तमम ् ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ.४
SV7.04 -Identification tests

श्वेता रक्ता च पीताच कृ टणा भूस्तु चतुविमधा ।

तेषामाद्यास्त्रयोग्राह्याश्च्क्तुथी िज्ञजत
म ा बुध:ै ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ.४
SV7.05- based on color

घृत्सगांधा रक्तगांधा तैलगांधा तथैि च ।

मत्सस्यगांधा भिेद्भशू ममममत्सस्य गांधा ना िोभना॥
भृगस
ु हां िता अ.४

40
 SV7.06- based on smell

मधुरा च कषाया च आम्लका कटु का तथा ।

भूशमश्चतुविमधा प्रोक्ताकटु का तत्र गहिम ता ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ.४

SV7.07- based on taste

चतुरस्त्रा षडस्त्राच अष्ठस्त्रा ितुल

म ाकृ शत: ।
भूशमश्चतुविमधा प्रोक्ताितुल
म ा तत्र गहिम ता॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ.४
SV7.08- based on shape of grains

प्रागूत्तरनलिां योनयां अिानदज्ञक्षणगहिम त॥

ां भृगस
ु हां िता अ.४
SV7.09- based on slope of plot

गांशभरशननदाभूशम: शिल्पकमामज्ञण पूज्ञजता ॥ भृगस

ु हां िता अ.४
SV7.10- based on sound of ground

शिलेिकासुधादारुमृत्ससनामृल्लोिलोिका: ।
एताशन शिल्पद्रव्याज्ञण मुख्यत्सिेन शनरूवपता: भृगस
ु हां िता अ.४
मृहदिका सुधाशिला फलकाहदकशभवत्तक ।
िे मरत्नाहदसांहितां गृिांकायमयथाबलां ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ.2
SV7.11-Building Materials

िणमशलांगियोिस्था: पररक्षचबलाबल ।
यथायोनयांयथास्थानां सांस्कारान्कारयोसुधी:॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता
SV7.12- Selection of Material
41
 बालत्सि कौमारां यौिनमथिाधमकांच शनधनां ।
पांचियाांस्तेतेषाांम्ये, नेि,े िेषाणीिाशन॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता
SV7.13-Four life spans

इिकाश्चद्रम
ु ा सिाम: स्तांभा:प्रोक्ताज्ञश्चरां तना: ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ.१५
SV7.14 - Building materials

िुटकशचांचाहदिाखाशभरास्तीथं सुमि
ु ु तक
म े
पलाि भासकै: पश्चाद ब्रीह्याभासैस्तुषस्
ै तथा
आच्छाद्याज्ञभ्द: समशसांचेद् िाखाां प्रज्िलयेत्तत: भृगस
ु हां िता अ.?
SV7.15- Brick kiln

सुज्ञस्ननधा: समदनधाश्च सुस्िरास्ता: सुिोभना: ।

स्त्रीशलांगाश्चावप पुज्ञल्लांगा भेदशछद्राहदिशचमता: भृगस
ु हां िता अ.५
SV7.16- Quality bricks

ककमरां िज्ञन्िना दनधां चूज्ञणत

म ां सुजलेन च ।
िेशधतां शततऊना च ग्राह्यां वपिां सुसक्ष्
ू मकां ॥
साधे वत्रपादां हिगुणां हकांजल्कशसकताांवितां ।
करालां िाथ मुनिी िा तेन मानेन योजयेद्॥
व्यासाधमधवम त्रभागैनतीव्राम्येपरे परे ।
पुटभेदेन चिेण मदम येज्जलाशमशश्रकां ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ.५
SV7.17 – Lime mortar

सांग्रह्य िकमरासुक्ष्मा तस्या: प्रक्षालनांकुरु ।

42
 शतलदकसमांवपांडां सुक्ष्मचूणशं तथैच ्।
कापामसतांति
ु श्चवप मृदांकृत्सिासुपेषयेत ्।
वत्रयांबकल्कशभनांच कदलीशभस्तदधमित ।
निशनतशमिायाशत याित्तिस्सुपषेयेत ्॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ.४८
SV7.18 – Lime plaster

चांडालपुल्कसव्याधपुशलांदा्यैविांदवू षता:
िज्ञल्मकाहि स्मिानाढ्या शनांद्या बूवपम तज्ञच्छला ॥
भूपररग्रिणे पूिं शनांहदता याश्च भूमय: ।
तव्दताश्च शिला: सम्यनिजमनीया गुणैबध
ु :ै ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ.६
SV7.19- Selection of stones for building

दनु धतैलघृत:ै सम्यक् सांतज्

े य परिोमुख
म ां ।
मुले िस्तां व्यपोह्द्द्यो्िे वत्रज्ञश्छिा तत्र लक्षयेद् ॥
िररस्त्रािो वििृ्दयथम: क्षीरां पुत्रवििधमनां ।
पातयेदत्त
ु राग्रां ि पूिामग्रां िा िनस्पशतां ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता
SV7.20 - Cutting of a tree for timber

सालाश्मजमकणीनाां उ्िामच्च पतनां िुभां ॥

शनगममाज्ञस्थशतमद् भुत्सिा िृक्षाांतरशनपातने।
अन्योन्यां पतनां नेिां छे ्यां चोमयत: समां ॥
चतुरत्रां ऋजुां कृ त्सिा मुिूतस्
म तांभसांग्रिे ।
शसतपट्टे न सांछद्य स्यांदने न्यस्य िेियेद्॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. ११
SV7.21- Collection of tree logs
43
 कमममड
ां पके न्यस्य िालुकोपरर िाययेद्॥
प्रागग्रां चोत्तराग्रां िानयािुटकां रक्षयेत्सपुन:।
परािृत्तां न कतमव्यां आषण्मासां द्रम
ु ाहदकां ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता
SV7.22 - Preservation of timber

द्रव्यनािस्तु कालेन स्नेिनािात्सप्रजायते

तस्मात्तैलां सदालेनयां िे मत
ां े शिशिरे ऽयिा
कमममड
ां पेचैि काष्ठां स्याद्राक्तरज्ञजतां
हकिाज्ञननदनधतत्सकुदं गारा िृतिे तन
ु ा भ्रुगस
ु हां िता
SV7.23-Seasoning of timber

तीक्ष्ण्सूच्यिलीभ्याां च िोधयेत्सप्रथमां द्रम

ु ां ।
गुरुित्रेण मिता यसहटलेन प्रिारयेत ्॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता
SV7.24 -Testing tree prior to cutting

अांत:सारश्च िृक्षा: पनसतरूमुखा: सिमसाराश्च शचांचा- ।

िाकाद्या नाररकेरिमुकयिफलास्ते बहि:सारिृक्षा: ॥
शन:सारा शिग्रुसिच्छदिुकतरि:हकांिुकाद्याश्च सिे।
तेटिाधौ क्षत्रिुद्रौ भि ... िैश्य-विप्रास्त्तोऽन्ये ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता

SV7.25- Tree classification

ऋजि: सारिांतश्च दृढाश्च शचरजीविन: ।

ििामिातातपसिा जलस्थलभिाश्च ये ॥

44
तत्तेददे िि
े ोभ्दिा: िस्ता ग्राह्या: स्यु: शिल्पकममसु ।
असारिाज्ञखन: सिामन ् िजमयद्ग
े िृ कमामज्ञण ॥
प्रायि: क्षीरतरिो न मानुषग़्रुिशचता: ।
दे िधामसु ते योनया: सिेषाां शिांिप
ु ा: िुभा: ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता
SV7.26 - Suitable tree

िृत्ताकारश्च मुलाग्राद् बिुिाखो दृढाांवित: ॥

पुि
ां क्ष
ृ : स्याद् तरो: स्त्रीत्सिां मूलस्थुलकृ िाग्रता ।
मुलाग्रयो: कृ िाल्पत्सिां म्ये स्थौल्यां च षांढता ॥
मुिुतग
म भमस्तांभादीन पुि
ां क्ष
ृ णैि कारयेद्।
िेषकममसु सिेषु स्त्रीिृक्षश्चैि िस्यते॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता
SV7.27- Gender of Tree

समाशनि: िरीराज्ञण समाशन ऋदयशनि:।

समानस्तुिोमना यथान: सुसिासशत ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ.?
SV7.28-Good neighborhood

तृणैस्तु मृण्मयां छाद्यां इिकाशभरमृण्मयां।

धातुशभधामतय
ु क्त
ु ां च शिखरै रमरत्न मांहदतां ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. ?
SV7.29- Roofing of houses

स्यादभ
ू शू मरे का िसुिस्त गेिे दिाशम िृ्दयाच तत: परां भिेत ्॥
भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ ?
SV7.30- description of open spaces

45
सिेषामशधमनो मुख्यास्तदधेनापरे तथा ।
तृतीविनस्तृ तीयोश्श्चतुथोिश्च पाहदन: भृगस
ु हां िता अ .३
SV7.31- Payment to workers

46
 9 NAGAR RACHANA-TOWN PLANNING

9.1Definition of Drawing: Bhrugu Samhita defines a

drawing as, one which displays the anything or material
present in water, air or on earth. Ref. SV 9.01.

9.2 Shops in Bazaar: The shops should be allotted as

mentioned below,

North side-Oil merchants, South east or North east-

Carpenters, West side- Washer men. SV 9.02. Ref. 2,
page 197.

9.3 Pollution prevention: Crematoriums, graveyards

and houses of scavengers etc should be far away from
water bodies. SV9.03. Ref. 2, page 208.

10 Yantra Shastra- Machines and Mechanics

9.4 Chandarshee (A composer of book) - In ancient

times, the experience of learned men was called
‘Bramh’. A person, who, after acquiring vast
experience, narrates this knowledge in a poetic form,
was called ‘Chandarshee”. All the composers of Shilpa-
Samhita also can be called ‘Chandarshee”. SV 9.04,
Ref.2 page 216.

47
Necessity of temples: Temples are necessary for
daily worship of deities.

Construction of temples as per Bhrugu: The table

below shows the various directions along which specific
temples are to be constructed.SV7.5,page 124.

1-Twin Deities:

South-east- Saavitra and Savitaa

Center of town- Bramha and Agni

South-west- Indra and Indrajaya

North-west- Rudra and Rudrajaya

North- east- Aap and Aapvatsa ref. SV9.06

2-Single Deity:

East- Surya

South- Aaryamaa

West- Mitra

North - Maheedhar

48
Center or all corners- Bramha ref SV9.07

3-Minor Deity:

East- Sharv

South- Aaryama

West- Jambhak

North- Pilipinjak ref. SV9.08

4-Cruel Deity

South-east- Charaki

South-west-Vidari

North-west-Putana

North- east-Paparakshyasi ref. SV9.09-

Sanskrit Verses

जांगमा: स्थािरा िावप ये सांशत भुिनत्रये ।

तत्तत्सस्िभािततेषाां करणां शचत्रमुच्चते ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. २५
SV9.01- Definition of Drawing

तैलविहिशयणाां सौम्ये तक्ष्णा चानय शनलेऽनले ।

49
िायव्ये कारुकादीनाां रजकानाांच पज्ञश्चमे॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ ?
SV 9.02-Shops in Bazaar

चाांडालचममकारस्म्िानां तोयाियापयानस्याद्।
एतेषामवपतत्तद्दरू े देिे स्मिानांस्याद्॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ ?
SV 9.03-Pollution prevention

पुराकृ तांतु यत्तज्िैस्तद्येशत प्रचक्षते ।

शनज्ञश्चत्सय मनसा बम्ितपोशभबमिुशभ: स्ियां ॥
छां दाांशस ितमयन्येते छां दऋषी त्सिेन कीशतमता: । भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ ?
SV9.04- Chandarshee (A composer of book)

शनत्सयाचमनाहदविधये प्रशतमा प्रशतष्ठा। भृगस

ु हां िता
SV9.05-Necessity of temples

सावित्र: सविता िुतािनहदशि ब्रम्िाज्ञननम्येधग

म ौ ।
इां द्रश्चेंद्रजयश्च राक्षसहदशि ख्यातौ पदाथंज्ञस्थतौ ॥
रूद्रो रूद्रजयश्च िायुहदशि च ख्यातौ तथेिाधमगौ ।
आपश्चवप तथापित्सस इशत च िां िज्ञस्थता दे िता: ॥१॥
SV9.06-Twin Deities

50
पूिामहदहदक्षु िमि: ज्ञस्थता: स्यु:।
तथायमकश्चावप पुनाविमिस्िान ्॥
शमत्रश्च पश्चाच्च मिीधराख्यो ।
ब्रम्िा तु म्यस्थचतुटपदस्थ: ॥२॥

SV9.07-Single Deity

हदक्षु कोणेषु बाह्यस्था: पदबाह्ये पुन: िमाद् ।

सिम: स्कांदायममव्िौ च जांभक: वपशलवपांजक: ॥३॥
SV9.08-Minor Deity

चरकी च विदारी च पूतना पापराक्षसी ।

एिां मडू कपदगा: कीशतमता दे िता: िमाद्॥४॥
SV9.09-Cruel Deity

51
 10-APPENDIX

Weights and Measures

10.0 The chapter describes ancient units of

measurement as per Bhrug Samhita.Kashyapa
Samhita and Maya Samhita have their own system of
measurement.

10.1 Counting of numbers: The counting of numbers

(1 to 10) is done using three digits of four fingers of a
hand (excluding thumb). The counting starts clockwise
from lowest digit of index finger till the bottom digit of
middle finger. (Note middle digits of middle and ring
fingers are excluded) SV 10.01. Ref.2 page 48.

10.2 - Length measurement- (AayagaNanaa): The

smallest unit of measurement of length (width/ height
etc) is ‘Shaalee’ and biggest unit is ‘Yojan’. ‘Shaalee is
an intact grain of rice(with husk).Next unit is ‘Angul’
which is equivalent to 3,3.5 or 4 grains. SV10.02,
Ref.3,Page 80.

Following units were used;

Yava (length of seed of barley)= 1.5 mm

52
 Angul (middle digit of middle finger) = 6 to 8
Yava=19 mm
Mushtee(closed feast)=3 Angul= 6.25 cm.
Vihast (Stretched one hand) = 4 Mushtee=25 cm.
SV 10.3 Ref.2 page 48.
10.3- Measure of Time: The required to pronounce
on vowel is termed as ‘Maatra’. This is the smallest unit
of time, proposed by Bhrugu. Other units are shown in
a table below. Ref.3,Page 78

Table 10.1 Units of measurement of time

2 Maatra=1 Akshar 2 Akshar=1 Lav
2 Lav=1 KshuaN 30 KshuaN=1 Vipal
30 Vipa=1 Pal 30Pal=1 Ghatika
30 Ghatika=1 Ahoraatra 30 Ahoraatra=1 Maas
2 Maas=1 Abda 5 Abda=1 Yuga

10.4 Table of other units: The other units are given

in a table below. Ref.3,Page 80.

Table 10.2- Different units of length

4 Anguls = 1 Grah 2 Graha =1 Mushtee

53
 12 Anguls = 1 Vitati 2 Vitati= 1 Hasta
4 Hasta= 1 Danda 20 Hasta=1 Rajju (small)
30 Hasta=1 Rajju (big) 2000 Danda= 1 Krosh
4 Krosh= 1 Yojan* * one Yojan is equal to 4
km

10.5 Appropriate units: Measurements of weapons

should be expressed in ‘Angula’ and those of small
objects should be expressed in terms of
Barly(Yav),sesame seeds.SV10.04, Ref.3,Page 81.

10.6 Calculation of perimeter and area

a. Perimeter of circle: The ratio of perimeter and

diameter of a circle is fixed.SV10.05 and Table
11.3.Ref.3 page 82.

Table 10.3 – Perimeter to diameter ratio

Diameter Perimeter Diameter Perimeter

7 22 1250 3927

33215 107348 62832 200000

54
 b. Area of circular segment: The base of the
segment is called ‘Jya’ (sayJ) and a
perpendicular through the center of base is called
‘Shar(say S). The area of the segment is nine
tenth of the product of these lengths. Ref.3, page
83. The diameter of the circle is given as
J*J/4*S+S. SV10.06, Ref.3, page 84.

.c. Volume of solids: Volume of a prism is product of

base area and height. SV10.07, ref.3 page 87.

d. Weight of solids: The smallest unit of weight was

‘Gunj (app.150 mg).Table 11.4 below gives the other
weights. Ref. 3, page 88.

Table 10.4 -Weights

MasH=5 Gunj
KarsH=16 MasH
Pal=4 KarsH
Tula=100 Pal
Bhar=20 Tula
Achit=10 Bhar

55
 Tools of engineer

a. Telescope or level: Drashtee is a telescope (is used

to see things which are far away. SV10.08 , Ref.3. page
63.

b. Meter rod: ‘Nruhasta’ is a wooden or metal rod, of

50 cm length, with 24 marks at one angula (19 mm)
each . SV10.09. Ref.3. page 63.

c. Grass Rope: ‘Mounj Rajju’ is a rope of grass (Mounj)

of length 20 Hasta (10 m) is used for length
measurements. SV10.10. Ref.3. page 64.

d. Cotton thread: ‘Karpasak’ is a thread of

cotton(without any knot) is check the linearity of
things. SV10.11. Ref.3. page 65.

e. Plumb bob: ‘Awalamb or Sadhanee’ is a tool to

check level of a surface. Construction of Awalamb: The
construction process is as below;

Use three wooden strips 2cm x1cm and 50 cm

long and join them to form a tri-angle.

56
 Place the tool such that the both legs just touch
the water surface.
Suspend a weight attached to a string, from the
top.
Mark the position of the string on the middle
strip. SV10.12, Ref. 3, page 66.

f. Setsquares: ’Kashthakone’ is set of two triangles

(one 45 & 45 deg. and other with 30 and 60 deg.).
SV10.13, Ref.3. page 67.

g. Tool for drawing ellipse: Srushta sootra is a tool

used for drawing ellipse (Lamb vartul) of different sizes.
It consists of a wooden strip (of length more than 20
cm.). It has number of holes drilled equidistance from
central hole. A thread is tied to two nails fixed in the
two holes equidistance from central hole.A curve is
drawn with a pencil/pen such that sum of distances
from ends is constant. SV10.14, Ref.3. page 68.

57
Ellipse: It is a locus of points such that sum of
distances (a+b) from two fixed points (F1 and F2) is
same. The fixed points are called focal points. If these
two points merge into one, then the locus becomes a
circle. SV10.15, Ref.3. page 68.

Six Commandments

Ancient texts Bhrugu Samhita and Shilpa Deepak

mention six commandments or guide lines for designer
or supervisor of a structure. These are;

58
 1. The quality or comfort depends upon the cost one
can afford.
2. The designer should take into account the
relevance of time and life of the work.
3. The material has to be used as it is available in
nature.
4. Learn from failures.
5. Alterations should not spoil the original athletics.
6. The rules and procedures are not rigid, according
to situation some changes have to be made.
Nothing is perfect. SV 10.16. Ref.3. page 52-62.

Sanskrit Verses

प्रारां भ्यानाशमका मूलां कशनवष्ठक्याहदषुिमाद्।

म्यमामूलपयंतां गणयेद्या पिमसु ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता अ. ?
SV 10.01 –Counting of numbers

िाल्यायतौज्ञस्त्रशभस्त्रैश्च साधैस्तैिेद्गसांशमतै: ॥ भृगु सांहिता अ. 3

SV10.02-Length measurement

वितज्ञस्तनाच यानादीन ् क्षुद्राणामांगल

ु ेमतु ।
यिेनाल्पीयसाां मानां एिांमानिमां विद:ु ॥ भ्रुगस
ु हां िता
SV 10.03-Units of length

59
 अांगल
ु ां िस्त्रचापादौ िैपल्
ु याहदकमापने ।
यिैल्पीयसाां मानां एिां मानकां वबांद:ु ॥भृगस
ु हां िता अ. 3
SV10.04-Appropriate units

िृत्तव्यासे द्यते नागिेदििन्ह्यज्ञव्धखेदशु भ:।

शतत्सज्यज्ञश्वविदध
ु ैभक्त
म : सुसक्ष्
ू म: पररशधभमिद् ॥ भृगस
ु हां िता अ. १

SV 10.05-Perimeter of circle

जीिाज्ञव्दिगे िरभक्तयुक्ते । व्यास प्रमाणां प्रिदां शत बृत्ते ॥ भृगस

ु हां िता
अ.३
SV 10.06-Diameter of circular segment

सदृित्रयसांिगम: घन: ।
सिेषु क्षेत्रेषु क्षेत्रफलां स्िोच्चमानेन
शनननां शचतौ खाते िा घनफलां स्याद् ॥
भृगस
ु हां िता अ. ३
SV 10.07 –Volume of solids

सुक्ष्मप्रेक्षणां द्रविसूत्रां । भृगस

ु हां िता अ .२
SV10.08- Telescope or level

चतुविमिशतरां गल
ु ो िस्त: शनग्रंशथ: सुज्ञििो मधुकखहदर
चांदनाहदसारदारूणाां िांिधात्सिोिाम। भृगस
ु हां िता अ .२
SV10.09- Meter rod

60
 विांिशतिस्ता मौंजरज्जु: । भृगस
ु हां िता अ .२
SV10.10- Grass Rope

ग्रांथ्यामुक्तां युक्त्सया युक्तां कापामससूत्र । भृगस

ु हां िता अ .२
SV10.11-Level thread

अथ कुयामदलांब पज्ञट्टका शभज्ञस्त्रशभ: पुन: ।

साांगल
ु ीकरमानाशभज्ञस्त्रशभस्त्रचत्रां दृडां भिेद् ॥
िापीां कृ त्सिाां जलै: पूणां तस्याां िांकुव्दयां न्यसेद्।
तोयो्ितमल्योस्त्रतयोस्तयोमूध
म न््यो:पदद्गव्यां॥
विधाय त्र्यस्त्रकरयैतद्ू िामस्त्रां ब्दलांबकां ।
यत्राध: पज्ञट्टकायाां तत्सस्पृित्सयांकमथाशलखेद्॥
तत्र सूक्ष्मां भिेज्ञच्चन्िां तेन शनम्नाहद नीयताां ।
अांकाल्लांबगशतयमत्र तज्ञन्नम्नां चान्यदन्ु नतां ॥
अांकस्य लांबसूत्रस्य सांयोगे समभूतलां ।
भृगु सांहिता अ. २
SV10.12- Plumb bob

दो: कोटीत्र्यज्ञब्धमशनश्रिशसकुरूिरे काष्ठकोणांजह्द्पाव्दा । भृगु सांहिता अ.

२
SV10.13- Setsquares

61
 सृि-भ्रमविरशचतिृवत्तस्तुल्यलाग्रभागो
ज्ञव्दरददिनजन्मा सारदारूभ्दिो िा
समरऋजुरिलांबादव्रण: पद्गकििृत्त:
समतल इि प्रोक्त: िांकुरकागुलाहद ॥१॥
िांको: पृचाग्रयोमम्ये यिस्थूलायते समे
लोिजे घटयेत्ससच्यौ िृत्तलेखक
ां ममज्ञण ॥२॥
भ्रमेण पररत: सूच्या एकया ितुल
म ां शलखेद्
सूच्योदृम ढीकृ तां सूत्रां मालाां शलखशत सुित
ृ ाां ॥
भृगु सांहिता अ. २
SV10.14- Tool for drawing ellipse

वबांदव्ु दयसमपररशमता माला ।

रे षाितुल
म म्यिशतमनी एषा विविधा ॥ भृगु सांहिता अ. २
SV10.15- Ellipse

62
१- भोगो यिानुसारी स्याद् ।
२- कालस्य कुहटला गशत: ।
जन्माद्यिसानाांतां मनसा शनज्ञश्चत्सय कारयेत ् शिल्पां ॥ भृगु
३-धाता यथा पूिम
म कल्पयेत ्।
४-िुभािुभ पररग्रि।
५-सांिधमनच
ां िास्तुनाां तथा सांिरणशनच मानहिनां च
कतमव्यां मानिधमन॥
ां शिल्पदीपक अ.६
६-अल्पदोषां बिुगण
ु ां कायं कमं प्रयत्नत: ।

SV10.16 - Six Commandments

63
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

A-Marathi Books by Vaze:

1. Vaze, K.V. (1924), Importance of Indian

engineering education, Pub. Shri Samarthprasad
printing press, Nasik.
2. Vaze, K.V. (1924 &1994), Essence of ancient
Indian engineering, Pub. Varada Prakashan,
Pune 16.
3. Vaze, K.V. (1928), Ancient Indian engineering-
Part 1, Pub. Lohabhandaram, Raviwar Peth,
Pune.
B-Marathi Article by Vaze:

4. Vaze, K.V. (1925),Gopalan or Animal Care,

Monthly Journal, ‘Krushival’, Jan.1925 issue,
Pune.

64
 About the Editor of this book

Professor A.S. Nene, did B.E. (Nagpur), M.E and

Ph.D. (Roorkee) and served Visvesvaraya National
Institute of Technology, Nagpur during 1972-2002.

He has supervised around 150 Consultancy projects,

in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and
Orissa, involving Soil Investigations, Quality Control
Works, and Setting up of Laboratories etc.

He has more than 50 publications at National and

International levels. For his paper published in
Journal of ASCE 1985, he received “Khosla Memorial
Award” (1987) by Roorkee University, for best
Technical Paper. He has supervised research work of
three Doctoral and two Post Graduate Candidates.

He co-authored a book "Pride of India, Published

by Sanskrit Bharati, New Delhi (2006). He has also
edited a Marathi book "Hindi Shilpa Shastra",
Published by Nachiket Prakashan, Nagpur (2010)
and -Geotechnical engineering in ancient India”
published by Pune Vidyarthi Gruha Pune (2011).

65
This print book is included in the Time Capsule
installed at Paris.

66
 Books on Science & Technology of ancient
India

1. Biological Sciences of Ancient India

2. Civil Engineering applications of Ancient Indian
Botany
3. Water Resources Engineering of Ancient India
4. Mining and Metallurgy of Ancient India
5. Transportation System of Ancient India
6. Modern Relevance of Indian Vastushastra
7. Building Sciences of Ancient India
8. Science of Fortification of Ancient India
9. Town Planning of Ancient India
10.Engineering Philosophy of Ancient India
11.Bhrugu Samhita- A Rare Vastu Shastra Book
12.G.G. Joshi Memorial Volume
13.Cookery Science of Ancient India
14.Thirty-two Engineering Techniques
15.Machines and Mechanisms of Ancient India

67