The architectural canons of ancient India were known among masons and architects for a long time before scholars began to write on architecture and society came to regard them as preceptors of the art of building (Vāstuvidyā). Aspects of Vāstuvidyā were incorporated in Purāṇas, Tantras as well as in astronomical and astrological works. Special works of Vāstuvidyā are the Viśvakarmaprakāśa, Mayamata, Mānasāra, Śilparatna and Hayaśīrṣa Pañcaratna. The lecture will dis¬cuss some aspects of building technique and materials used, and the different styles of building through the ages as mentioned in the texts.
