[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932) › c8.73 # The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c8.73 The Science of the Śulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c8.73 - **Language:** English ### [c8.73](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c8.73) Here or anywhere else in this \*Brāhmaṇa\*, we are not taught how to draw the east-west line and how to draw a line at right angles to it (\*i.e.\*, the north-south line) through a given point on it. That there were some methods for those constructions is beyond question. We have only to conjecture what were these methods. Now almost identical descriptions about the measurement of the \*Mahā-vedi\* reappear in the \*Śrauta-sūtra\* of Baudhāyana² and Āpastamba.³ It has been further taught by the former writer that all the measurements are to be made by means of a cord on the principle of a rational rectangle (\*vide infra\*). The \*Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa\* is known to have measured the \*vedi\* with a cord.⁴ Had it also recourse to the same method? At any rate, it is not improbable. For we have clear evidence to prove that the theorem of the square of the diagonal, or the so-called Pythagorean Theorem was known then and used to be employed in that as well as in other connexions.¹ - [Previous: c8.72](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c8.72) - [Next: c8.74](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c8.74) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c8.73](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c8.73) · Pramāṇa