The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c18.46

c18.46

We shall now proceed to examine how far the above interpretation can be held to be correct. It should be opposed mainly on three grounds: *Firstly*, the supposed interpretation of the term *ekaśata-vidha* as meaning the construction of a Fire-altar of an area of 101 square puruṣas is very unusual. Indeed, according to all the *Śulba* and also the *Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa* that term must always refer to an area of 101½ square puruṣas. Similarly, it is known, that *sapta-vidha* always refers to 7½ square puruṣas, *aṣṭa-vidha* to 8½ square puruṣas and so on. *Secondly*, for that interpretation the stipulated area of 101 square puruṣas has been assumed to be comprised of the area of the complete puruṣas in the body, wings and tail of the falcon-shaped Fire-altar, in exclusion of the two aratnis and the prādeśa in the latter. Therefore in that case the area of the complete altar, all told, will be greater than 101½ square puruṣas. But the maximum extent up to which the Fire-altar is sanctioned to be enlarged by successive constructions is 101½ square puruṣas. Thus Baudhāyana expressly remarks: