The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c3.1

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*.