Samrajya Lakshmi Pithika (Study)
by Artatrana Sarangi | 1984 | 120,842 words
This is a study in English of the Samrajya Lakshmi Pithika (written by Lolla Lakshmidhara). This text represents an encyclopedic manual for emperors, akin to ancient works like Yuktikalpataru and Manasollasa. The Samrajyalaksmipithika encompasses about 3870 verses in addressing topics such as public festivals, governance, warfare (military strategy...
Construction of the Block of five halls
Behind the Hall of Audience, a little away from it, a block of five halls is constructed with the usual terraces and turrets. The first of the halls is a pillared structure surrounded by walls in four sides. It should be big enough to house the elephant(s), utilised as royal carrier(s). (14-16) The second hall is also a similar one except that it has a circular shape (avrtvakara) and it serves as the stable to house the personal horses of the king. (17-18) The third is also strongly fashioned and is meant for parking of the royal chariot(s) and other conveyances. (19). The fourth hall is said to be utilised as an accommodation for the astrologers and the courtezans and fifth, the most beautiful one, for the poets, singers, the learned scholars, the chief lute-players, ministers and
538 the priests. These buildings are constructed on highlands and are not without tanks and other sources of water. This block of five-halls is also kept under a wooden enclosure and gate, with strong doors, bolt, the image of Gajalaksmi and other auspicious designs, fit to be fabricated for frontage of such gates (mukhabhadra). In front of such a gate is erected another curtain-wall (tiraskarini-kudya), over topped with crests in the shape of the fig-leaf. (20-27).