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Shookra-neeti, a Hindu sociological treatise, we read a few injunctions against the construction of human images. We are told that "the images of gods, even if deformed, are for the good of men. But the images of men, even if well formed, are never for human good." Shookra's generally recognized dictum seems to be that "the images of gods yield happiness to men, and lead to heaven; but those of men lead away from heaven and yield grief." (Ch. IV, Sec, iv, lines 154—158, Sarkar's transl.)

Verses of a similar import from shilpa-shastras (treatises on arts and