The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c3: Preface
The Science of the Śulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c3
- Language
- English
Preface
c3.1
In this book an attempt has been made to study the Vedic rites of the *Agni-cayana* (or "the construction of the Fire-altar") from a point of view, purely secular, quite different from that of unravelling their deep mysticism and highly speculative philosophy. The whole purpose has been to get as much insight as possible into the knowledge and achievements of the Hindus in the science of mathematics, more particularly in its branch of geometry. The *Agni-cayana* reveals an important aspect of the Hindu genius of which the student of the Vedic culture is apt to lose sight. Most scholars, when they think of the genius of the Vedic Hindu, are naturally more attracted by his noble religion, sublime philosophy, enormous extent and most varied character of his rich literature, and charming devotional poetry. But the Vedic Hindu, in his great quest of the *Parā-vidyā* ("Supreme knowledge"), *Satyasya Satyam* ("Truth of truths," "Absolute Truth"), made progress in the *Aparā-vidyā* ("inferior knowledge," "relative truths"), including the various arts and sciences, to a considerable extent, and with a completeness which is unparalleled in antiquity. Of these the special concern of this volume is with the Vedic science of geometry, technically called by the name *Śulba*.
c3.2
The writer is fully conscious of his limitations to perform in the proper way the arduous task that he has undertaken. Truly he feels, to speak after the immortal poet Kālidāsa,
c3.3
क शुल्वविस्तृतविद्या क चाल्पविषिया मति ।
तितीर्षुरुडुपेनापि दुस्तरमस्मि सागरम् ॥
c3.4
" 'How great is the science which revealed itself in the *Sulba*, and how meagre is my intellect! I have aspired to cross the unconquerable ocean in a mere raft.' " Moreover, the work had had to be done hurriedly within a short time at his disposal just on the eve of his retirement from active life in the University, in 1930, amidst other preparatory arrangements consequent thereto. So it could not be made as comprehensive and thorough as it should have been. It is nevertheless the author's confident hope that this imperfect sketch will create a lively interest in the early Hindu geometry amongst the historians of mathematical sciences.
c3.5
It is a pleasure to express indebtedness to my teacher, Professor Ganesh Prasad, for his interest and encouragement for the work. In deference to his wish, I delivered, by special invitation of the authorities, a course of six lectures on the science of the *Sulba*, in the University of Calcutta, during December, 1931. I tender grateful thanks to Mr. Atul Chandra Ghatak, Superintendent, and the staff of the Calcutta University Press for kindly expediting the book through the Press in order to help me to go back to my retirement earlier. Above all, I remember with pleasure the name of my younger brother, Dr. Binode Behari Datta, M.A., Ph.D., for his help and association in every way in this book.
c3.6
BIBHUTIBHUSAN DATTA
c3.7
*Calcutta, 28th July, 1932.*