Silparatnakosa of Sthapaka Niranjana Mahapatra: A Glossary of Orissan Temple Architecture

The Silparatnakosa is a 17th century Orissan text composed by Sthapaka Niranjana Mahapatra describing all the parts of the temple types of Orissa such as the Manjusri and Khakara. It also contains a section on sculpture on image-making (Pratimalaksana). This text though much later than the temples described reflects the still living tradition and it contributes much to clarify the terminology of Orissan temple architecture. The text has been edited from three palmleaf MSS and translated with numerous illustrations.

Review(s)

"..... an important addition to the Silpa/Vastu literature published so far, and it will be very useful to all those interested in Orissan temple architecture." -- Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bombay

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