The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c10.29

c10.29

" If you wish to construct a square, take a cord as long as its side is desired to be ; make a tie at both ends and a mark at the middle. Then having drawn a line (east-to-west) of the desired length, fix a pole at its middle. Fasten the two ties at this pole and describe a circle with the mark. Now fix poles at the both ends of the diameter (running east-to-west). Having fastened one tie at the eastern pole, describe a circle with the other tie. Describe a similar circle about the western pole. On joining the points of intersection of the circles, the second (*i.c.*, north-to-south) diameter will be found. Fix two poles at the extremeties of this diameter. Now, having fastened both ties at the eastern pole, describe a circle with the mark. Similarly describe circles about the southern, western and northern poles. The exterior points of intersection of these circles will determine the square.'¹ (Fig. 22.)