ABSTRACT
This chapter presents two fundamental concepts of Indian painting: measurement and proportion. Measurement and proportion or mana and pramaja are the essential principles of form. They are introduced with their peculiar terminology which constitutes the basis for reading and understanding the citrasutras. This chapter analyses the absolute and relative systems of measurement, it describes different types of akgula measurement and explains the various measurements that can be taken along the body of an image. The system of proportion expounded in this chapter includes physiognomy and the iconometric system. The role of physiognomy is analysed in accordance with the Visjudharmottara Puraja and Citralaksaja of Nagnajit, and relying on two other texts: the Brhat SaÅhita (chapters 68-69) and Saravali,1 whose views seem to share a common ground with the citrasutras. Iconometry is expounded according to the views expressed in the Visjudharmottara Puraja and Citralaksaja of Nagnajit, and it is widened with the help of other important texts like the Brhat SaÅhita, Matsya Puraja,2 Pratimamanalaksaja3 and Filparatnakofa.4
