Vaastu Shastra: Towards Sustainable Development

This article discusses Vaastu Shastra (an ancient Indian knowledge of architecture) in relation to the idea of sustainable development. It informs the complicated problems of urbanization and overpopulated Cities of today. By drawing attention towards Vaastu Shastra, this paper discusses the built form of Indian settlements and explores the possibility of creating a living environment that is self-sufficient, ecologically balanced and culturally stimulating. It explains the concept of sustainable development based on ancient Indian traditional knowledge, through its culture, heritage and orientation towards forest sustain-ability, as a way to address elements within sustainable development. Further, the fundamental principles, the relevance of Vaastu-Purusha-Mandala and the history of Vaastu Shastra are highlighted with discussions on its philosophical and social aspects. Last, an attempt has also been made to create a close relationship between Vaastu Shastra and sustainable development that can redefine the present form of planning human settlement. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.