The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c14.92

c14.92

The above proof of the theorem of the square of the diagonal is given in later times in India by Bhāskara II (1150).¹ Bretschneider ² conjectures that Pythagoras' proof of the theorem was substantially the same. In approving of this hypothesis of Bretschneider, Hankel remarks that "it has no specific Greek colouring but rather reminds of the Indian style." ³ This remark has been accepted by Allman,⁴ Gow ⁵ and Heath.⁶ Heath has pointed out another objection against accepting that as Pythagoras' proof, though he admits it to be the "best." ⁷ This interesting proof was given also by Chang Chun-Ch'ing (*c.* 200 A.D.) in his commentary of the ancient treatise *Chou-pei* (*c.* 1100 B.C.).⁸