Question

Arrange the following architectural texts in chronological order-
(A) Mayamata
(B) Mānsāra
(C) Śānkhyāyana Gṛhya Sūtra
(D) Samarāngaņasūtradhāra
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B), (C), (D)
• B. (B), (D), (C), (A)
• C. (C), (A), (D), (B)
• D. (C), (B), (D), (A)

Hint:

For chronology questions, it's helpful to remember key time periods: Vedic/Sūtra period (pre-Common Era), Gupta/Post-Gupta period (early centuries CE), and the Early Medieval period (c. 1000-1200 CE) where many royal patrons like King Bhoja flourished.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question requires arranging the given Indian texts, which contain architectural information, in the correct historical sequence from earliest to latest.
Step 2: Dating the Texts
(C) Śānkhyāyana Gṛhya Sūtra: This is a Gṛhya Sūtra, part of the late Vedic or Sūtra period literature. These texts deal with domestic rituals, including the construction of the house and altar. They are dated to approximately 500-200 BCE, making this the earliest text in the list.
(A) Mayamata: This is a major Vāstu Śāstra text. Its composition is generally placed in the post-Gupta period, likely between the 8th and 10th centuries CE.
(D) Samarāngaņasūtradhāra: This comprehensive treatise on architecture and engineering was written by the Paramara king, Raja Bhoja of Dhara, who reigned from c. 1010 to 1055 CE. This firmly places it in the 11th century CE.
(B) Mānsāra: Another foundational Vāstu Śāstra text. Its dating is widely debated, but it is generally considered a compilation whose final form is later than the Mayamata and Samarāngaṇasūtradhāra, possibly post-11th century CE.
Step 3: Establishing the Chronological Sequence
1. Śānkhyāyana Gṛhya Sūtra (C)
2. Mayamata (A)
3. Samarāngaņasūtradhāra (D)
4. Mānsāra (B)
The correct sequence is C, A, D, B.
Step 4: Final Answer
The correct chronological order is (C), (A), (D), (B), which corresponds to option (C).