CHAPTER - 4

TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT:-"THE VASTU-INDEX"

4.1. P R E A M B L E

Tliis chapter intends to evolve a system for quantitative assessment of the

qualitative results of the configurations indicated in the texts. This process
involves interpretation, gradation and quantification of the qualitative results. It
also involves defining the aspects of prosperity, the material and spiritual so as to
derive the method of it's assessment.

According to vastuvidya, options available in the design process may be

categorised in three types, i.e. auspicious (beneficial), inauspicious (adverse) and
neutral. The results of the procedure and configurations are of a mixed nature and
were probably in tune with the then ideal (or prevailing) life style and value
system. The results, on many occasions are not directly comparable with each
other. It is also difficult to say with a certainty about the combined effects of
different aspects for the relative importance of various parameters are not known.
This study, has evolved six divisions of the vastuvidya contents which may be
called six factors or sets of design principles. These principles are feasible and
practically applicable in modern architecture. However, there is no information in
the texts, nor there is any previous research on vastu-index or vastu-strength.

rzkvssR «if vaitevid^ to intki^Lrial prwperttg- VPJFFS

 . 4. TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT: THE VASIU-INDEX. 222

4.2. TECHNIQUES O F A S S E S S M E N T

4.2.1. The Modern Techniques of Assessment.

The building may be viewed as a combination (system) of options of

various concepts of design principles. The results of these (selected) options vary
in the nature and intensity, and may at times contradict each other. The options
may or may not be well knit or to be called a proper system. Evaluation of such a.
complex situation needs an effective technique of assessment. Dr. P.S.Shinde' has
analysed in detail, the various techniques of assessment in order to develop a new
technique, for the assessment of imageabiUty of urban areas. The formal
techniques of assessment may be summarised as foUows.

1. Descriptive technique. This technique describes the suitability or

strength of the vastu (building and plot) in spoken and written words. Such
techniques lay more emphasis on the literary quality of expression and therefore,
has a high degree of subjectivity.

2. Pictorial techniques. An assessment with help of photographs and

pictures, models or sketches, etc. come under this category. Captions or comments
are added to the pictures. Though there is less subjectivity in this technique, it
can be manipulated by over or under emphasising certain aspects. Photographs
are more reliable than sketches, as sketches may over emphasise or ignore certain
aspects.

3. Analytical technique. A combination of the above two, this technique

tries to study the objects in parts or stages on certain constant parameters. This
has more scientific attitude because it compares on a common platform and hence
is less subjective in nature. Since the object is studied in parts, it allows more
precise and qualitative evaluation.

1 . Dr. P.S.Shinde, Imageabilib/ in Indian Cities, Bombay Scenario. Hydiabad, undated,. Dr.
Shinde developed a new technique colled 'DASSF" for evaluating the imageability of urban
design situations, by combining the advantages ot 1 .Descriptive, 2 Anar/ticcd. 3.Siatastical,
4.Semantic a n d S.Pictonol techniques of assessment.

r£kv>X£ fS va^tcnrtdgp to hstestrta^ prcsperitg- viTm

 4 TECHNIQUE"OF ASSESSMENT THE VASTU-WDtX 223

4. Semantic Technique. This method uses the value <?ystem of a society or

the religion for comparison and assessment L'very object has pragmatic meaning,
and in the context of vastu, ;>uch techniques are often used. The concepts and
results are normally extended beyond logical understanding with help of rituals
and symbols. These have a very hign degree of subjectivity.

5. Statistical technique. Most commonly used in research, this technique

is more objective in nature than the other techniques. It quantifies the elements
and presents them in the form of numerical analysis. It is more suitable to
quantifiable variables, and is used for census of aU countries. Though this
technique leaves many things Like visual (appearance), social and individualistic
aspects to imagination, it is most effective for generalisation and additive or
deductive totality of the situation. Based on scientific analysis by quantification,
this technique is regarded as most reliable even for qualitative analysis.

4.2.2. Techniques Used in uie Past.

Vastutexts describe the results of individual aspects only. All the results
are not distinct in nature, as combinations are also used simultaneously.
Normally four types of predictive results are seen. These are 1. relating to
material prosperity (gain of wealth, loss of m""°y, poverty, etc.); 2. relating to
overall status (prosperity, royal favours, imprisonment); 3. relating to family and
society (birth of son, daughter) and 4. relating to spiritual or mental aspects
(happiness, enjoyment, slavery, fear). Some times the results are indicted only as
auspicious and inauspicious. These are difficult to interpret.

The professionals, therefore use these results directly and on individual

basis only. Each of them, depending on his understanding and experience keeps
changing the relative importance. Professionals do not find it necessary to assess
totality of the situation as the qualitative inferences are difficult to add. It is also
debated whether the resuJts, as predicted in the text, woidd be witnessed, for an
element of exaggeration is expected in the text to discourage people from doing

rekvwKi.rfva jtovfejj^ ta irRJnstrfei praspertty vmi

 4 TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT THE VASTb'-INDEX. 224

wrong things. In the process, predictive astrology, the slope and shape of the plot
and the placement of rooms gets an edge over the other aspects.

4.2.3. New t r e n d s .

Most of the modern praciitioncrs of vastuvidya talk of direction and

placement only"'. If the major components like storage of water, furnace / kitchen
and electrical mains; and stores of heavy articles are placed in the northeast,
southeast and southwest corners respectively, the building is said to be in order.
The assessment does not consider the aspects of built form, grid or ma^dala and
procedure etc.. Sbme authors^, who are practitioners also, relate mathematical
signs, temperaments, body parts, fingers, yogic postiu-es, energies etc., and finally
depend on the astrological calculations and charts of the owner. They talk of class
and diss i.e. astrological {vimsottari) period of operation and the vastu directions.
However, on the formal fi-ont the astrological considerations are brushed off and
the scientific and engineering aspects of vastu are discussed.-* It appears that the
modern pundits, who prefer to talk of science in public and use astrology as a
secret weapon in practice. The assessment of the total situation or net results are
often avoided as there is no defined method or research available on this aspect.

Sree K. Narayan Tanthrj* (96) has attempted a method of evaluation of

vastu in residential buildings. He chose the concept of balance of five elements,
viz. earth, wat^r, air, energy (fire) and ether {Akisa). This concept has origin in
Nyiya, Vaise^ka and SMikhya systems of philosophy. Vaise^ka deals with
classification of matter and its product. It is responsible for formulating atomic
theory. Every product is produced out of combination of these products and
properties of product are to be traced to those of the atoms. The vastu or body is
said to have constituted from five basic elements known as Panoamahibhutas.

'. Limaye, Vaze Reddy, Rac, ei ali.

•^ .Yogeswu: Rao, Hyd:ahod.
. Y-ogeswar Rac, '"^onvenor, All Incija .Seminar r n 'Lsig>n'^p-nng Asper*? oi Sneritiiic Vastu,'
Hydrabad, Jan. !'^9P, hy insntution of Engineer? (India), Andrai-\ adeph, Dia.'Tvond Jubilee year.
. K. NarayanTanthr>, Vastuvidya %, S'?rcnd Nation,-il •".'.-nvention, Thns.sai, Coc. !096.

pclcvanec at vastuvi^ t^ in^o^triat ^(sspsrity vrs"?!

 4 TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT m E VASTI -I^JOFX 225

These are Apa (water), TWa (t-nergv-lii-ht-fue), Viyu (air or wind), Pjihvi (earth)
and Akisii (ether). Balance (as desired) of these elements in any body makes it
stable and properous. Vastu (building) like h u m a n body is supposed to prosper
and hence auspicious when these five elements are in the state of desired balance.

The evaluation of five factors (elements) are added at par ^ v i n g 20°/o

weightage to each of them. The concepts of the factors are as follows:

1. Earth-(20)- configuration of site-5, levels-2, soil-1, roads-2, house plan-10;

2. \Vater-(20)-Well-10, sump/ water body-5, over head water tank-5, soakpit,

surface drain-5;

3. Fire-(20)- location of kitchen-5, fire place/chimney-5, direction of cooking-5,

location of electrical mains-5;

4. Air-(20)- location and number ordoors-5; location and number of windows-5:

doors placed on exaltation-5; main door on oxaltation-5:

5. Sky/ether-(20)- coverage and side open spaces-5, central open space-5: height
(building, basement, et-c.) -5 and open space out side the plot-5.

This .system of evaluation appears to suffer three major limitations.

1. Very few concepts are identified. Houseplan included in the earth is too big a
concept to compare with direction of cooking under fire.

2. B'ofrthe given breakup, the equal weightage to all the five element is not
justified. The elements of earth and water deserves more weightage. It is
evident from the breakup that items under air and fire are repeated.

3. The element of sky is comparable to the central space only. The side spaces
and ofTsite open spaces are part o^pisaoxi Hid and not element of sky.

4. The process of evaluation is isolated from the results.

Though m a limited way, Sree Tnnthry has demonstrated that it is

possible to quantify the amount of vastu-strength of a building.

rjkvawi 5f vastnvH^ te irefcsb^ pra^sssr^g vrris

 4. TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT. THE VASTU-INDEX 226

4.3. PROPOSED NEW TECHNIQUE : THE VASTU-INDEX.

The statistical techniques, though most effective and scientific, do not
indicate the qualitative aspects or tfie areas of improvement. The other
techniques project the situation in p a n s , and there is no uniformity on the
emphasis. These can not always be added to get the net effect. The new technique
is developed by combination of these to get the advantages of all the techniques.
'Vastu-index or vaatu-sumkmka' is such a module which shall add the values of
the different aspects of vastu in one consolidated unit, which can be expressed as a
percentage. The ideal situation could be envisaged as 100 percent. The percentage
has more flexibihty over fraction, and hence may be more acceptable. On the
lower end, either fifty percent or zero may form a base which describes a situation
which is neither auspicious nor adverse. However, the zero base shall require
negative values to be tabulated and may not be convenient. Thus the strength of a
building based on the principles of vastuvidya may be expressed in percentage,
where 100% indicates (theoretically) maximum possible auspicious or beneficial
situation; 50% indicates combination of good and bad in such a way that the net
effect is balanced; and 0?o may be a (theoretical) situation where every thing is
adverse to the maximum possible extent. Both the 100% and 0% are not expected
to be achieved as the results may restrict or counter each other.

These resiUts can also be indicated graphically by chart, pie, or bars. The
index should be supplemented with a comment or a symbol to indicate the short
comings in terms of aspect (land, entrance, etc.) and adverse result (material or
spiritual). This could be achieved by indicating the index in form of a polygon each
axis representing one aspect of the index. WTien the index is composed of six
factors, a hexagon can indicate the references and the actual value of the index.
(Refer fig. 4.1). It is also possible to use five axis, out of which four axis may
indicate four factors and the fifth indicates the total. The index of prosperity with
its four components could be overlapped on this diagram for comparison.

psfevanrt ?f v5Btir?tiijp to 'irvkstrvi (T'ssperitg vra in

9 4 TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT THE VASTU-INDEX 227

1 ^ -•

70
60'
GRII RIENTATION
50
•SO
^0
20
10

TIM ILTFORM
M
LAND ORISWIG BUfi*>-i PLMKiT T 'TAL
-PLACEMENT

a.
90i 1
70
60
50 -
40-
30 ' \ 1 / i
20 / 1
f
\ I i
10
* • 1 /
'
•
V/"" -»^ J
LAND owmiO BLtyW PLl*®^ TOTAL

BUILTFORM

UINO .PLACEMENT-

Figure 4.1 Possible options to

represent Vastu-Index.

rstevanre ot va»tovtd;ji tc b^^tatWaJ pris^s^ vprw

 4 TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT THE VASTll-iNDL X 228

4.3.1. F a c t o r s of t h e I n d e x .

This study started on six topics, as six essential elements / factors or

constituents of vastuvidya. "^Fhe literature review supported the hj^jothesis, as the
contents of all the texts relating to architecture could be easily grouped under
these headings. Since these are confiimed to be the six factors of vastuvidya, the
vastu-index should ideally represent amalgamation of these six factors vi2.
l.Time, 2.Land, 3.0rientation, 4.Grid, S.builtform and 6.Placement.

Two difficulties immediately evident in the composition of vastu-ind°^

are, l.all the six factors may not be equally important and their relative
importance is not known. 2. two of the six factors (i)laced under procedural part)
are difficult to study. It is unlikely to get precise data on these aspects. These
factors could only be used/studied in the new projects, or where entire record of
dates and procedure is available. Vastu-index for the purpose of this study
(verification of the relevance of prosperity), shall therefore be based on four of the
six factors, as follows:

1. Land

2. Orientation

3. Builtform

4. Placement of parts

4.2.6. C o m p o n e n t s a n d c o n c e p t s of t h e f a c t o r s

Each of these factors ^ formed by amalgamation of number of

components, which are apects of design principles in that factor. These
components are further broken in to concepts, which accoimt for a single
parameter that has the design options and can bo evaluated as an entity. Number
of concepts in each components are not equal nor aU the concepts are equally
important in tenns of weightage. However, an attempt has been made to select

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 1 THCHNIQU!-; T'F \SSESSMf:NT THE VAS'Ii; [>.iMX 229

the component heading in M\ch a way rh:u .ill thf (>omponent>^ in a factor are of
equal importance. (Kefer ch. '^.2.1 for options).

The components and concepts of the six factors are as follows:

A. Time. 1. Taking possession of land;

2. Stiirting construction:
3. Fixing main door;
4. Gfiiapravesrj or starting active use.
B. Grid. 1. Type of mofidla;
2. SutrauinysBa or layout procedure;
3. Bali and foundation deposits;
4. Consecration of vastuma^dala.
C. Land. 1.a.Shape of the plot; b.Proportions of shape;
2.a.Declivity of shape; b.Longer axis
3. DecUvity of level or slope of the plot
4. Soil- a.colour; b.smeU; c.Vegetation
D. Orientation. 1.a.Orientation of the plot (inclination) to the true east,
l.b.Number of roads and open spaces around the plot
2.a.direction of entrance of the plot; 2.b.'l'ype of entrance;
2.c.Place and direction of building entrance;
S.Vedha to entrance.
4.a.Direction of movement; 4.b.Direction of the surface drain;

E. Builtform. l.a.Type of sala by shape; l.b.Type of sala by the ahnda;

2.a.Placement of .sala; 2.h.Marrnqvedha;
3.a.Proportions ; 3.b.Dimefi»?ions oigjahapigda

4.a. Extension; 4.b.Compound wall.

F. Placement. l.Physicaly and intellectually Active areas

2.Physicaly and intellectually passive areas

3.Minor areas and stores.

4.Placement of services.

(•(dcvjfire of vajtuvsl}^ to ifxteitri^ prc7f£t'\Xii vraTW

 . -J. TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT: THH VASIU-iNrEX. 230

4.4. QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF VASTU-CONCEPTS.

The recommendations and the results of the auspicious and inauspicious
configurations are always written in the quaUtative statements and they are not
directly assessable on a comparative scale. The quaUtative results, therefore, are
required to be quantified, based on the necessities and understanding of the
happy and prosperous life. The value system of the society has undergone changes
fi*om the time these texts were written. Assuming that the comments (predicted
results) of the authors were in true and exclusive sense, the birth of son and
daughter may not be differentiated today to the same extent; the result of less
progeny may not be treated adverse: and prosperity to enemies may be treated as
prosperity to the competitors in the industrial and commercial environment.

4.4.1. Quantification of Individual Concepts.

Concepts are the individual aspects of the design alternatives for which
the ancient texts have indicated the results. The aspects of extreme wealth along
with happiness is equated to the highest score, followed by either of the two.
Destruction, imprisonment and death is treated as the lowest or zero score. No
acquisition of wealth' is treated as a stable or average situation. Around ninety
types of such statement of results are coEected from the literature review. These
are reduced to sixty on account of the similarity of meaning.

This set of sixty statements is presented to twenty individuals, (consisting

of industrialists, technicians, teachers, owners of commercial establishments and
students), to arrange them in order and quantify between 10 (as highest) and 0
(as lowest). The values indicated by these individuals are then averaged out to
arrive at the quantification of the results. The results and relative scores of the
options are shown in the tables (No. 9.01) The relative value or the rating of this
assessment (and not the actual value) is used to quantify the options of each
concept, according to the set of results applicable to that concept.

pzkvKK cf va<itevki^ to iRdastrtii ja^oajKritg- vrm

 4. TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT: THE VASTU-INDEX. 231

Table 1. Quantification Of The Qualitative R e s u l t s

S.N Results Index S.N Results Index
1 Prosperity, sons, wealth. 10 31 Danger from fire ^
2 wealth, success 10 32 Danger from the King 4
3 Extreme/ Immense wealth 33 Destruction of creatures /pets 4
4 Money and happiness 9.8 34 Fear of enmit>', diseases 4
5 Influx of wealth, sons 9.6 35 Fierceness, Cruelty
' 1
6 Great wealth. 9.5 36 Enmity with one's own sons 3.8
7 Increase of wealth 9.4 37 Big theft 3.5
g Getting children & wealth 9.2 38 Increase of enemies 3.5
9 Happiness 9.2 39 Decline, 3
10 Prosperity 9 40 Distress 3
U Attainment of riches, wealth 8.8 41 Faults of wife 3
12 Wealth, money 8.6 42 Ingratitude 3
13 Victoiy 8.2 43 Intense Fear 3
14 Rece^)! /Gain of wealth 8. 44 Loss of son 3
15 Royal/ Kingly favours, 8 45 Loss of wealth 3
16 Enjoyment 7.5 46 Theft 3
17 Increase food, & children 7 47 Linhappiness 2.4
18 Possession of aU virtues 7 48 Destruct. of children, power 2.2
19 Freedom from debts 6.8 49 Death of wife, Loss of wife 2
20 Gain of food Grains 6.6 50 in health 9

21 Gain of progeny 6 51 Mean life 1.6

22 Birth of daughters 5.5 52 Sorrow, Ri^e 1.5
23 Few children 5.2 53 All sorrow 1
24 Disturbance of creatures 5 54 Imprisonment 1
25 Falsehood 5 55 Misfortune 1
26 No acqui.of wealth, children 5 56 Penury, Poverty, Hunger 1
27 Prosperity to Enemy 4.6 57 Extreme Misfortxme 0.5
29 Sadness, Vtmukha 4.4 58 Slavery 0.5
28 Loss of female 4.5 59 Death 0
30 Trouble to sons 4.2 60 Death or imprisorunent 0

rdcvauc cf vdatovi^to)rvkab*y pr«i|2r(tg-

 4. TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT: THE VASTU-INDEX. 232

4.4.2. Quantification and r a t i n g of the Components.

The design principals are proposed in four groups, viz. Land, Orientation,
Built-form and Placement which are called factors of the vastu-index. Each of
these factors is constituted by four, eight or more concepts. Relative importance of
these concepts within the factor is a matter for research in itself and therefore is
beyond the scope of the present work. For the purpose of this study, these ratios
are selected on the basis of the importance given in the vastuxexts. Amongst the
aspects of the land the slope is given more importance; followed by the shape.
Inclination of the plot axis; entrance direction, pada and the type together is
treated most important in orientation and the sala model and the type according
to the aUnda is found to be more decisive in the built form. Sixteen items are
identified in the placement, which include three units of the main process, making
it more important than others. These assumptions may have their limitations,
but exclusive study of each aspect only, may be able to give more precise
indications. However, in order to facilitate appropriation or further research, each
of the concept is initially evaluated at a standard scale of 10 to 0.

4.4.3. Quantification a n d Rating of Factors

Since different texts elaborate different aspects of v a s t u ^ t r a , it is very

difBcult to decide the ratio at which the foiu' factors be added to get a correct
index of vastu-stjrength. It is therefore preferred to keep this aspect open till a
reasonable data becomes available. The index of vastu-strength for each of the
four factors could be compared independently with the index of prosperity, to find
out the probably most related or most important factors out .of the four. The
correct or the optimum rating could then be decided by trial of different
combinations at 5% variations. Initially the score of four factors shall be added at
par or at 25% each. I'he aspects of astrology, time and consecration which are not
included for assessment in the survey may be compared separately with the index
of prosperity.

p<kvTCC )#'v3<tGv))^ to)ryilii4U>)ii ^oapcrilj}- vnm

 4. TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT; THE VASTU-INDEX. 233

4.5. Q U A N T I T A T I V E A S S E S S M E N T O F P R O S P E R I T Y .

The terms prosperity and happiness are abstract. The assessment and
quantification of such aspects is therefore not only difiBcult but also involves
certain degree of subjectivity. The prosperity is of two types, viz. 1.Material
prosperity and 2.Spiritual prosperity. This again may be treated at two levels, viz.
1. Obstructions or initial difficulties and 2. Operational difficulties. The initial
difficulties may be attributed more to the Land, direction and timings of the
events, as the builtform and placement may not exist at that time.

4.5.1. Material Prosperity

The material prosperity could be scaled from l.the appreciation of the

(initial) investment on the land, building and machinery, against the appreciation
that could been available on the fixed deposit by this date and 2.the networth,
turnover, gross profits, sales and the physical growth of the factory. Even if the
management does not show the net profit, in the financial statements, the
-physical growth could [assessed. A gradual increase in the turnover, increase in
sales, increase in the assets or the networth of the organisation is a positive
indicator of the progress. The image of the industry (appreciation of share value)
and the product could be the additional indices. Discontinuation of a product, drop
in the production, under utilisation of the installed capacity, falling of the share
price, reduction in the assets, etc., on the other hand are indicators of reduction in
the prosperity.

4.5.2. Spiritual Prosperity.

The spiritual or non-material prosperity and happiness is more difficult to

assess and scale. Happiness is be said to be inversely proportionate to the worry,
strain or tension. This may signify that (besides the material/financial scarcity)
the causes of worry or anxiety should be the indices of unhappiness. The factors
which can not be determined by the known logic and create tensions and anxiety
in the mind: the market fluctuations; the labour problems and similar aspects,

i>zkv«x;z<stvaste«idi^toindc«)tjf^i3r«iiK^^ vmpn
 4. TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT: THE VASTU-INDEX, 234

therefore, can help to determine the peace of mind of the owner and the
management. The initial difficulties like delay in getting land, machinery, license,
skilled workers, loans etc. may contribute to initial worries while labour strike,
lock-out, breakdown, fire, natural calamity, financial crunch, major thefts,
accident, etc. may form the operational worries.

4.6. Conclusion.

The proposed new technique of assessment- the vastu-index, appears to be the

most appropriate way of indicating of vastu-worthiness of a building. It has
capacity to amalgamate all the representatives factors in a single entity and also
indicate assessment in totality as well as in parts. The index may be indicated on
seven or five axis for six and four factors respectively. While the central (vertical)
axis shows the totality, the other co-ordinates indicate the strength of the factors.
In the present investigation, where the existing industries are being surveyed for
four factors, it would be appropriate to use a five axis figure for graphical
representation of the vastu-index. The Prosperity-index could also be represented
in the similar manner using a five axis figure, where the vertical axis again may
represent totality.

Total

7j5-|..
Placement i^^*^ ^V>Tiine

^^""''^T^V
^;c \
/
'•--. 25-1-.. y

\ \ \ \

BuiWbm^ " • " ' ' \ \ / A " ' "/'-aid

y -•'•'••:

/
Qrirf^ ""TJirection
Vastu-indeiL

ll^ll

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