The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c20.2

c20.2

In the *Sulba*, we find elementary treatment of surds, particularly their addition, multiplication and rationalization. For the face, base and altitude of the *Sautrā-maṇikī-vedi* which is of the shape of an isosceles trapezium, are stated, it has been noted before,¹ to be respectively 24/√3, 30/√3 and 36/√3 prakramas, or to be 8√3, 10√3 and 12√3 prakramas. Hence it is clear that the ancient Hindus knew that $24/(√3) = 8√3, 30/(√3) = 10√3, 36/(√3) = 12√3.$