CIVIL WORK AND TOWN PLANNING IN ŚAIVA INSCRIPTIONS OF ANCIENT INDIA

Abstract

The sources of knowledge of ancient Indian science and technology are very varied. There is still much to be explored. However, inscriptions are one of the sources that is not much explored in connection with the references to the civil works, town planning etc. We know of human welfare activities of the great king Asoka from his rock edicts or pillar inscriptions. The Hathıgumpha inscription of Kharvela is another much quoted source. It describes about the repair of a water reservoir built earlier. When we travel down the history further, the study of civil works, architecture gets limited to the texts, such as the Arthsastra, Mansara or Samaranganasutradhar. But the inscriptions from the 500 AD – 1200 AD also need careful research. Since there are more evidences of religious architecture in comparison to the secular architecture, it limits the scope of research. The present paper focuses on the study of inscriptions from the post Gupta period reaching up to early medieval period of Indian history. Here is an attempt to extract information on the civil works, town planning, architecture, processes, construction materials etc., undertaken by the  Saivacharyas, in particular. The paper is also reflecting upon the inter-relation between the State and the religious sects. We must remember that the Indian tradition does not restrict the knowledge, its practice and a societal section. One of the examples is the Sirpur inscription of the time of Balarjun. The record opens with the stanza in praise of Sugar (Buddha). It then records the construction of a monastery by a bhikshu named Añandaprabha as well as establishment of a Sattra for the monks residing in the monastery. A white rice field was donated for the upkeep of the monastery. The field is said to have been purchased from the Samgha and given together with the supplementary crops grown in it. King Bālārjun is considered to be a brahmin. The Isanasivagurupaddhati of Isanasiva contains all details of temple architecture, such as the temple plans, height of the temple and measurements etc. We cannot limit the contribution of āāanaāiva just to temple architecture, rather he may have been a scholar of distinction.