The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c15.123

c15.123

Now it will be very naturally asked, why this preferential liking for the particular rational rectangle (15, 36, 39), on the part of Āpastamba? The true answer will be not simply because, as Bürk seems to think, that the construction of the most important *vedi*, namely the *Mahāvedi* or the *Saumikī-vedi*, depended on it. For Āpastamba has described as many as four methods for the construction of the same *vedi*. But also because it was employed in the most ancient method of constructing the *Mahāvedi* and so had acquired a special sanctity by a long scriptural tradition. We have also seen the similar orthodox predilection of Āpastamba for the primitive methods of high scriptural antiquity in the matter of the construction of the *Caturasra-śyenacit* by means of the bamboo-rod.