History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c7.s17.t5.27

v1.c7.s17.t5.27

**The terms Hindasa, etc.** The words *hindasa*, *hindisa*, *handasa*, *hindasi*, *handasi*, etc., have been stated by competent authorities to be adjectives formed from *hind*, meaning "Indian". Kaye² and Carra de Vaux³ oppose this interpretation. Relying on the lexicon of Fîrouzâbâdi they assert that these terms are derived from the Persian *andâzah*, meaning "measure." There is no doubt that the word *hindasi* denotes "geometrical" in the Arabic language. But when this term is used in connection with an explanation of the rule of "double false position" or the method of "proof by nines" or in connection with the "numeral notation," we have to admit that it had some other significance also. As the arithmetical rules designated by the term *hindasi* are found in Hindu arithmetic prior to their occurrence in Arabia, it follows that *hindasi* also means Indian. The term *hindasi*, *hindasa* or *handasa* has, therefore, two meanings, one "geometrical" and the other "Indian". The controversy regarding the meaning of this term which was set at rest by Woepcke,¹ has arisen again because Kaye and Carra de Vaux have refused to recognise both meanings of this term.² It may be pointed out here that as one of the meanings of *hindasi* is synonymous with *hindi*, there is no wonder that the two words were sometimes confused with each other, especially by scribes who did not understand the text.