1

Vasthuvidya, the Indian building technology was evolved over centuries by addressing the demands of lifestyle, cultural back grounds  and the regional climatic variations. Rooted thoroughly in Vedas, Vasthuvidya was accepted as the guiding principle for all type of constructions across the country. With it’s numerous regional variations, one would hardly find visual similarities between the structures built with the same principles. Vasthu has four divisions-Bhumi, Harmya, Yana and  Sayana. Unique principles of design were framed for Traditional models of settlement planning, building design, shaping of vehicles & water vessels, designing of ornaments and crafting home appliances. Practically, Vasthuvidya  dealt with all the areas of design. Since the manufacture of all these items implies  an element of aesthetics, this science also came to be called Silpasastra. Though all the  above aspects come under the purview of Vasthuvidya, in modern parlance, the term is mainly used to denote the construction  of homes and temples.

Vasthuvidya  continues  to get acceptance with increasing contribution from many scholars. Linguists are coming out with translations and commentaries on ancient texts related to the subject. People are becoming aware about the beneficial aspects of designing houses and other structures according to the prescriptions of Silpasastra. Modern Architects and engineers were hesitant to take note of these trends till recent times;in fact they have been hostile to it. However they have  also started looking at Vasthuvidya as an alternative knowledge system and also as new design langauge.                                                                                                   

1. http://www.kanippayyur.in/vasthu