This document summarizes the contents of a book on ancient Indian geotechnical engineering. It discusses how the book is based on rare literature on Shilpa-samhita compiled by the late G.G. Joshi. It describes how Joshi dedicated his life to collecting over 5,000 ancient texts on engineering from libraries across India. The author was inspired by Joshi's work and decided to focus on geotechnical engineering. The book contains 9 chapters covering topics in geology, rock mechanics, soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and more based on ancient Indian literature. It aims to increase awareness and pride in India's ancient wisdom in engineering sciences.

1. Geotechnical Engineering in
Ancient India
Edited & Compiled By
Dr.A.S.Nene

2. The contents of this book are based on
the vast collection of rare literature on
Shilpasamhita , compiled by Late Shri
G.G.Joshi.

3. Shilpa
The word Shilpa is derived from words
“sheel samdhow” which means pleasing to
mind. Sage Bhrugu has defined Shilpa as
below

4. Definition of Shilpa
Shilpa or Engineering sciences includes
many articles (things), i.e. machines,
metals, innovations

5. Late Shri G.G.Joshi

6. Shri Joshi, a civil engineer in P.W.D, came to
know about the works of Late K.V.Vaze who
had deciphered and translated many ancient
Sanskrit texts on Shilpa-samhita

7. Late K.V.Vaze

8. Shri Joshi started to follow Vaze, and
collected his literature all over India in
libraries from Tanjore to Kashmir. He
copied on tracing papers, the texts which
he could not procure for his collection

9. He encouraged researchers and made his
library accessible to all. His collection
comprised about 5000 ancient books and
articles related to Shilpa Shastra. In
collaboration with Institute of Engineers
(India) he held exhibitions of his collection
at many places. Joshi continued this work
till his death in 1992.

10. The author was inspired by the devotion of
Shri Joshi and decided to follow but had to
restrict the work related to Geotechnical
Engineering alone

11. With his blessing author published his first
paper on this subject at 1St International
Conference on
Environmental Geotechnology
at Allentown (New York) in 1984.

12. This paper could attract attention of many
foreign and Indian Geotechnical Engineers
who visited Joshi for more information

13. It was Joshiji’s sincere desire that all authors
of textbooks on engineering must
acknowledge the work done by Indians in
ancient period so our students will have pride
about our ancient wisdom.

14. If this E Book could induce few more
geotechnical engineers, the purpose of
this book will be more than fulfilled.
Vijayadashmi,
A.S.Nene
22nd October 2004

15. Ancient Indian Geotechnical Engineering
Contents
Chapter Topic Pages
1 Prologue 14
2 Geology 2
3 Rock Mechanics 10
4 Soil Mechanics 27
5 Foundation Engineering 6
6 Environmental Geotechnology 11
7 Ground Improvement 7
8 Earth Structures 4
9 Conclusions & References 5

16. Chronology of References

18. For suggestions Contact
Dr.A.S.Nene
E Mail : nene_ashok@yahoo.com