Ancient Indian Wisdom in Geotechnical Engineering: Foundation Protocols, Soil mechanics, and Structural Resilience
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Abstract
This study explores the scientific depth of ancient Indian geotechnical engineering by correlating
prescriptions from classical architectural texts—Vāstu Śāstra, Mānasāra, Mayamata, Bṛhat
Saṁhitā, and Samarāṅgaṇa Sūtradhāra—with modern soil mechanics. The primary aim is to
validate whether ancient qualitative soil testing, stabilization, and foundation practices are
scientifically comparable to current geotechnical methodologies. The research methodology
includes textual analysis of Sanskrit treatises, empirical interpretation of ancient field tests such
as Bhūmi Parīkṣā, and contemporary laboratory validation through published UCS data for lime
and rice husk ash (RHA) stabilized soils.
Results indicate that ancient water infiltration and refilling tests exhibit functional
equivalency with modern constant-head permeability and compaction tests. Further, historical
use of lime and RHA for ground improvement demonstrates intuitive knowledge of pozzolanic
reactions, confirmed by strength gains of up to 55% in modern UCS studies. Case studies of the
Brihadeeswarar Temple and stepwell retaining structures reveal advanced techniques for
settlement control, hydrostatic balancing, and seismic damping through confined sand cushions
and massive masonry geometry. The findings establish that ancient Indian engineers possessed
a coherent geotechnical framework developed empirically through field experimentation. This
work highlights the significance of ancient practices for sustainable engineering today, offering
low-energy, eco-friendly alternatives for soil stabilization and foundation design.
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