Silparatnakosa of Sthapaka Niranjana Mahapatra

by Bettina Baumer, Ed. & Tr. and Rajendra Prasad Das

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. Dr Bettina Baumer an indologist from Austia is living and working in Varanasi since 1967. At present she is honorary Coordinator of IGNCA Kakakisha division Varanasi and Director of Research, Alice Boner Foundation for fundamental research in Indian Art. "..... 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