In this substantial study, Hegewald (Indian architecture, U. College, Oxford, UK) analyzes the religious contexts, history, and ritual use of a variety of water structures in South Asia, especially India. The types of structures are grouped into five varieties ghat, tanks, wells, kundas, and ornamental pools with drawings and b&w photos of each. Discussion of the meaning of water in Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, and especially Hindu traditions serves as introduction. Individual examples of ritual use and meaning are included along with the description of specific monuments. As a corollary to the main topic, garden architecture is described for India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)