The Shulbasutras of Baudhayana, Apastamba, Katyayana and Manava: With Text, English Translation and Commentary c5.s3.25

c5.s3.25

In our notes we have explained that elementary knowledge of operating with surds was also possessed by these geometers. It will certainly be not proper to say that the *śulbakāras* dealt with algebra as is known from later Indian mathematicians. But it cannot be denied that germs of algebraic equation are embedded in many of their rules and operations. Such is the case with quadratic equation as also with indeterminate equation of the first degree. As we have amply stressed, these texts were compiled primarily as manuals for the construction of sacrificial fires and altars. Geometry, mensuration, arithmetic, and germs of algebra came out only incidentally. Nevertheless, the gleams we obtain of their knowledge of these subjects can hardly fail to excite our admiration when we remember the time of their compilation.