Though there has been considerable interest in vastushastra in recent times and the orientational aspects of vastushastra have been often discussed, little is known of the essential elements that constitute vastushastra and its scientific application in the present day. Based on extensive research, the work, vastushastra attempts to address this aspect. Examining comprehensively the subject of vastushastra: its conceptual roots in Shilpashastra and its later evolution as dealt with in the Vedas, the Epic literature, Arthashastra, literature on ayurveda and Kamasutra literature, the volume analyses technical aspects of vastushastra by concentrating on the essential elements [angas] of vastushastra which involve decision-making and actual construction methods, art of engineering and role and responsibilities of engineers, and aspects related to land materials and rituals associated with use of building after its construction. It discusses the eco-friendly life style of the ancient Indians based on vastushastra principles. Giving minute attention to details, it focuses on the application of vastushastra in the present-day society -- how the vastushastra principles can be scientifically applied and the potential of application of vastushastra keeping in view modern trends in architectural science and civil engineering.

The book will be useful for students and scholars of architecture and engineering and those interested in vastushastra.

Preamble
Abbreviations
Acknowledgements   

Part I
Retrospects of Vastushastra

1. Evolution

Introduction     
Pre-Vedic Period
Architectural Evidences
Harappan Culture
Recent Developments
Vedic Era
Later Developments  

2. Analysis of the Literature on Vastushastra

Survey
Literature in Indian Languages
Brief Account of Tristambha
Research Papers
Objectives
Retrospects of VS
Technical Analysis
Prospects

3. Literary Reflections

VS in Ramayana (RM)
VS in Mahabharata (MHB)
VS in Dharmashastra 
VS in Manu-Smriti (MS)
VS in Arthashastra (ARS)
VS in Kamashastra (KS)
VS in Ayurveda (AVD)
Orientations and Lay-Out Considerations
Concept of Ghritagriha
Measurement Systems
Shilpi and Vaidya
Aspects of Bhumi
Astrological Influences

Part II
Technical Analysis

4. Introduction to Ashtanga Vastushastra

Concept of Ashtanga Vastushastra

5. Characteristics of a Host (Yajamana)

Name
Graha Dasha
Kakini Vicara
Preferred Orientation
Compatibility of Yajamana with Village
Mandla Vicara
Horoscope
Determination of Rashi Effects
Determination of Grama Nakshatra Cakra Effect
Door Allocation Test
Preferred Sites for Living   
Caste
Selection of the Proper Land
Design Parameters of Home
Design of Shanku and its Sthapana
Profession    
Recommendations 1 to 4
Anthropometrics
Test 1
Mandalesha Effect

6. Characteristics of an Engineer (Shilpi)

Sthapati 
Sutragrahi  
Takshaka  
Vardhaki  
Karmi   
Selection Process of Shilpi 
Hierarchies, Accountability and Reporting Structure
Division of Income  Between Shilpis

7. Land Selection (Bhumi)

Land Formation   
Testing and Selection 
Land Testing
Shalya Vicara   
Conclusion    

8. Rituals (Vastoshpati)

Introduction   
Rituals 
Method of Grihapravesha
Vastu Pujana  

9. Lay-out (Padavinyasa)

Concept of Vastupurushamandala (VPM)
Orientation (Nyasa) of Elements on VPM
General Pattern of Orientation
Allocations of Elements  
Concepts and Calculations of Ayadi 
Structural Considerations
Concept of Marma of Vastoshpati
Pictorial Overview of Marma Concept 

10. Building Materials (Vastu)

Ancient Indian Material Technology 
Types of Materials
Classification and Properties of the Material
Avastha of Material
Theory of Material Processing
Study of Building Materials 
Brick
Lime
Stone
Wood
Metals 

11. Art of Practise of Engineering (Sthapatya)

Philosophical Approach   
Metrology, Tooling and Instrumentation
Measurement of Time
Measurement of Space
Mass Measurement
Measurement of Motion
Aspects of Instrumentations
Aspects of Tools
Estimation (Diksadhana)
Design of Merging Elements 
Basement
Doors
Walls 
Structures (Joints)    
Project Management  

12. Repairs, Modifications and Interior Decorations (Alankarana)

Repairs and Modifications of Vastu
Rules for the Renovation of Pedestals
Interior and Exteriors
Need and Scope of Interior and Exterior
Wall Painting  
Bed Design
Gardening
Well Construction

Part III
The Prospects of vastushastra

13. Scenario Analysis   

Introduction 
Data Collection and Analysis
Internet Sites and NRC Literature
Academic Institutions

14. Prospective Learning

Technical Aspects
Design Considerations
Considerations for Internal and External Home Environment
Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects 
Use of Natural Material for Building Construction
Cultivation of Gardens and Trees
Considerations to the Life Stage of the Wood
Less New Constructions
Orientation Principles
Plumbing, Draining and Waste Disposal
Conservation of Water
Medicinal Plantations

15. Conclusions

Summary
The Concept of AVS
Conclusions, Recommendations and Benefits of Research
Recommendations
Benefits of this Study 

Appendix-I: Estimation of One Angula in Millimetres
Appendix-II: SHS References by Vaze
Appendix-III: Questionnaire  
Bibliography
Glossary
Index