History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c7.s2.13

v1.c7.s2.13

**Mathematics in Hindu Education.** The elementary stage in Hindu education lasted from the age of five till the age of twelve. This period slightly differed in the case of sons of kings and noblemen. The main subjects of study were *lipi* or *lekhâ* (alphabets, reading and writing), *rûpa* (drawing and geometry) and *gaṇanâ* (arithmetic). It is said in the *Arthaśâstra* of Kauṭilya (400 B.C.) that having undergone the ceremony of tonsure, the student shall learn the alphabets (*lipi*) and arithmetic (*saṁkhyâna*).² We find in the Hâthîgumphâ Inscription³ that king Khâravela (163 B.C.) of Kaliṅga spent nine years (from the age of sixteen to the age of 25) in learning *lekhâ*, *rûpa* and *gaṇanâ*. Prince Gautama began his education when he was eight years of age "firstly (with) writing and then arithmetic as the most important of the 72 sciences and arts."⁴ Mention of *lekhâ*, *rûpa* and *gaṇanâ* is also found in the Jaina canonical works.⁵