[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932) › c17.2 # The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c17.2 The Science of the Śulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c17.2 - **Language:** English ### [c17.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c17.2) It has been observed before that in the sacrificial rituals of the early Hindus it is oftentimes necessary to construct an altar differing in area from another by a specified amount. For instance, the \*Sautrāmaṇikī-vedi\* is stated to be equal to one-third of the \*Mahāvedi\*¹ and the \*vedi\* of the \*Aśvamedha\* double the latter.² The \*Lakṣa-homa-vedi\* and \*Koṭihoma-vedi\* are respectively four and twenty-five times the \*Pākayājñikī-vedi\*.³ Again it is said that the primitive Fire-altar, \*Caturasra-śyenacit\*, should have an area of seven and a half square puruṣas at the time of the first construction. At the second construction its area shall have to be 8½ square puruṣas; at the third 9½ square puruṣas. In the same manner the area of the \*Agni\* should be increased by one square puruṣa at each successive construction up to 101½ square puruṣas. The earliest reference to this mode of increment of the \*Agni\*, as has been stated before, is found in the \*Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa\*.⁴ And the practice continued during the succeeding ages.⁵ Now it is the strict injunction of the \*Śruti\*, that the primitive shape of the Fire-altar must not be disturbed during the course of successive constructions.⁶ - [Previous: c16.100](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c16.100) - [Next: c17.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c17.3) - [Up: c17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c17) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c17.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c17.2) · Pramāṇa