Mathematics in Ancient and Medieval India c6.s7.5

c6.s7.5

The real fact has not been reproduced by these scholars. Before discussing the extent to which mathematics was cultivated after the *Śulba* period, some attempts must be made to understand the mental background of the people of that time. When the Vedic tradition was on the wane, a current of revolutionary thought began to interplay. Basically this current of thought was intellectual – an upsurge of a desire to solve the mental problems. By this time, Buddha and Mahāvīra appeared in forefront with their great personalities. Owing to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism which preached against the Vedic sacrifices for several centuries, the Vedic sacrifices were on the wane. As a result, the occasions for the construction of altars requiring high skill and ingenuity on the part of the constructors were few and far between. On the other hand, it should be observed that the Hindu geometry in the Śulba-period was of extremely practical nature and it was guided by religious motives whereas the later mathematicians were generally guided by academic interests. Nevertheless, it is not correct to say that *Śulbasūtras* became obsolete and were overlooked by all in India. The following items will readily show that the later mathematicians were not unaware of the *Śulbasūtras*.