The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c21.s2.12

c21.s2.12

Now, as is well-known, the body of the primitive Fire-altar of the shape of the falcon measures 4 square puruṣas, each wing 1× 1⅕ square puruṣas and the tail 1× 1 1/10 square puruṣas. On taking out the prādeśa (=1/10 puruṣa) from the tail, there will remain 1 square puruṣa. The body will be reduced by $4×¼+8×1/16 square puruṣas ;$ there will then remain $4 - (4 × ¼ + 8 × 1/16) = 2 ½ square puruṣas.$