Mathematics in Ancient and Medieval India c6.s2.24

c6.s2.24

The cord before use was cautiously checked. The cord which was not flexible, had no knots, and which was thin, uniform, soft and smooth was used. A cord usually longer than the required size was used² in the *Śulba* for measuring line or surface. The land measuring or anything tied, was a common practice in almost all the countries of the world. The terms *akṣṇayā-rajju* (diagonal cord), *karaṇi*, *tatkaraṇi* *pārśva-mānī*, *tiryaṅmānī*, etc., clearly indicate lines drawn in different directions.¹ Since most of the measurements were done by the help of a *rajju*, and surface measurements were in common among the *śulbakāras*, it is quite probable that *rajju* had its use in land surveying. Two different methods have been described for measurement with cords as an instrument, (1) method of measuring by one cord (*ekarajjuvidhi*), and (2) method of measuring by two cords (*dvirajjuvidhi*).