Indian scientific historical architecture- Vastushastra

Indian scientific architecture- Vastushastra

The influence of different cultures was not only the leading element in the architecture of the Indian forts. Vastushastra, the Indian science of locating architectural structure in respect to direction, philosophy, ergonomics, time, astronomy, proportion and surrounding environment was implemented. Colors played a very crucial role after the construction of these sites. In all the principles of Vastushastra provide structural permanence and grandeur and good quality of sound and light in the space while the colors play a role in every day actions. For example in an Indian palace the entrance porch is semi open in order to allow maximum light to enter into space. Also, according to Vastushastra the foyer has limited light for pleasant welcome of the guest and to show the change in the space.

Colors in the interior space govern the role of the area assist in improving an individual’s mood and increase productivity at work and in creating better mental and physical health. According to Vastushastra color can have an effect on our day to day activities in good and bad manner. Hence, color inspires our emotions and ultimately configures our behavior in society.

Green and Pink color conveys energy, liveliness and red signify impartiality and wholesomeness. Pink color denotes love and affection, delight, bliss when used in interior spaces. Black represents a sense of trepidation, splendor and insightfulness. Hence, Color is the feature of an object that is caused by differing character of light reflected or emitted by that substance and is defined in terms of the viewer. Creates an energy around us. The visible spectrum formed in our sight created a physiological response between the brain and the eye.

In all the complex journey of light through the retina in the back of our eyes and the rods and cones reaction to dark and light creates a reaction, by which the brain interprets color. Hence there is no color without light and the color reflect by an object depends on the material. As mentioned about light qualities in Vastushastra, the topography and climate of India make an individual feel that the colors are very concentrated and vibrant due to the light qualities in India. The visual perception is different in varying light quantities.

ASSESSING THE LAND- COLOR OF SOIL

There are various methods of assessing the land before starting construction. One of the most important phases is to assess the color of the soil. For Brahmans that is people who are teachers, intellectuals, priests and scientists with soil should be white or light grey. For Ksatriyas that is people who are rulers, administrators and soldiers the soil should be red in color. For Vaisyas or people who are farmers, businessmen or bankers should build their houses on yellow soiled land and people who are sudras that is artisans, servants, laborers should build on black color soil land. Also, to check the soil as to wether it is good for building purpose, one can dig a 12 feet deep hole and if there is black soil till three feet down and white or red below then that land can be used for building a house.

IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS ACCORDING TO VASTUSHASTRA:

1. East or North facing houses should be preferred.

2. There should be open area on east and north.

3. All water wells should be on north east side.

4. West and south side walls should be wider and higher than the east and north side walls of the house.

5. Excavation should be started from the north-west, where as foundation should be started from the south-west.

6. Kitchen platform should be in the east and kitchen itself in the south east.

7. Dining room should be on the west and all the chests should be on the west and south direction of the house.

8. People should grow plants in their house, which ultimately means bringing in the green color to the house as it had calming properties.

9. All the doors of the house should face east so that there is ample of light coming I and brilliance of colors can be observed.

10. There should be no mirror on the west and south walls of the house.

11. Master bed room should be in the south-west direction.

12. Head should be always in the south direction while sleeping and never in the north direction.

13. A staircase should be in the west, south or south-west direction if it is made of steel or any other materials than wood. If it is made of wood then it can be located in any direction.

14. All underground construction should be done east or north direction and big trees should not b grown in this direction.

15. Total number of doors and be even in number and not end with zero.