The Shulbasutras of Baudhayana, Apastamba, Katyayana and Manava: With Text, English Translation and Commentary c8.t2.168

c8.t2.168

Baudhāyana, Āpastamba and Kātyāyana gave the value of √2, as mentioned above, with an additional term *viśeṣa* (approximate). Many scholars expressed doubt whether, by the term *viśeṣa*, the *śulbakāras* recognized the irrationality of √2. According to Karavindasvāmī,c a commentator on the *Āpastambaśulbasūtra*, the root *śiṣ* when prefixed by *vi* denotes in all cases a 'correction in excess'. Dattad has discussed the matter in detail, and the commentator can be relied upon in this interpretation. Looking into the ancient literature of India, we find in the early canonical works of the Jainas many instances of the employment of the term *viśeṣa* in the same connection as we find in the *śulba*. A few instances are given here.