A study on the forts (durga) in the light of the Śilpavāstuśāstram of Visvakarmā
Al Julias Hoque
The word Vāstu is derived from the root vas. It means to live. The residence of all living beings is called Vāstu. Bhū or Bhūmi is the main object or Vāstu. Visvakarmā was the pioneer of the Aryadhārā. He is basically the main architect of the Aryas. He wrote a book named- Śilpavāstuśāstram. There are 87 chapters in this book. In this book, construction of palaces, collection of goods, land survey, land acquisition, construction of forts and many more. The tenth chapter of Śilpavāstuśāstram, deals with the characteristics of forts. The forts are built for the personal protection of kings. There are 12 types of forts in Śilpavāstuśāstram. These forts were mainly the safe havens of kings. By staying in the forts, the king could fight the enemy forces and win easily. Therefore, it can be said that the contribution of forts to the victory of the kings by keeping themselves safe is outstanding.