History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s1.94

v2.c17.s1.94

The term *varga* for "square" has an interesting origin in a purely concrete concept. The Sanskrit word *varga* literally means "rows," or "troops" (of similar things). Its application as a mathematical term originated in the graphical representation of a square, which was divided into as many *varga* or troops of small squares, as the side contained units of some measure.¹