ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses two concepts of proportion according to the citrasutras: talamana and lambamana. These two systems are very helpful for the creation of a harmonious and proportionate body in both painting and sculpture. The talamana seems to derive directly from an evolution of the theory of proportion explained in Chapter 3, and on the basis of that knowledge the talamana system permits the creation of taller and shorter figures than the prototype of 108 akgulas in length. This system is analysed according to the Devatamurtiprakaraja,1 Fukraniti,2
Pratimamanalaksaja and Citrakarmafastra.3 This chapter will also examine one of the first studies of the talamana which was carried out by Rao (1920), in order to clarify some of the misunderstandings that accompanied his interpretation of the system.
