Indian Mathematics c9.24

c9.24

23. In paragraph 7 above certain attempts at squaring the circle are briefly described and it has been pointed out (in § 10) that Āryabhaṭa gives an extremely accurate value of π. The topic is perhaps of sufficient interest to deserve some special mention. The Indian values given and used are not altogether consistent and the subject is wrapped in some mystery. Briefly put—the Indians record an extremely accurate value at a very early date but seldom or never actually use it. The following table roughly exhibits how the matter stands :—