The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c20.s3.35

c20.s3.35

square figure; hence its technical name is *viśeṣa*. If the diagonal (of the square) could be (exactly) measured with the bamboo-rod and the Fire-altar had been measured by means of that measure, the area included in the body (of the Fire-altar) would not have exceeded (twice) this (the given square) even by the smallest part of the minute *nīvāra* grain falling from the mouth of a parrot. If the measure falls short (the area described) in that case will also be smaller. So for doubling (a square), the *saviśeṣa* is employed as a practical means.''