The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c15.85

c15.85

I think that the word *jñeya* should be explained quite differently. Its literal significance is, as has been explicitly stated by the commentators, "can be known" (*jñātum śakyate*). It comes from the same root *jñā*, as the word *vijñāyate*, meaning "is known." Hence both the words should be explained so as to exhibit the same relation. Now on many occasions in the *Sulba* in connexion with the statements of the measurements of altars, the description of the methods of constructing them, etc., we find the remark...*iti...vijñāyate*.² It implies that such and such thing "is known from the ancient holy scriptures." Indeed those things can be actually traced therein. I think the word *jñeya* also should be explained as implying a reference to the same ancient scriptures. Thus the expression *tābhirjñeyābhir*, etc., means "the method of construction (of the altars) has been described by means of those rectangles that can be known (from the ancient scriptures)." The other expression *etāvanti jñeyāni*, etc., will then mean "these only are the methods of construction of the (*Mahā-*) *vedi* which can be known (from the ancient scriptures)."