On some geometric constructions in the sulvasutras from a pedagogical perspective – II

Dani, S. G. and Limaye, Medha (2021) On some geometric constructions in the sulvasutras from a pedagogical perspective – II. At Right Angles (10). pp. 7-16. ISSN 2582-1873

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Abstract

I n the first part of this article we described briefly the setting of the sulvasutra geometry and construction of various basic rectilinear figures with a given area (or equivalently transformation of shapes into one another, with the same area). In this sequel we continue on the topic, branching out along the following themes: Firstly, using some arithmetic, we discuss conversion of multiple squares together into one, more efficiently than by simple repeated augmentation of squares as described in part I. In the second section we discuss the topic at hand with regard to the semicircles and circles. The last section is devoted to discussion of certain constructions which are not found explicitly in the sulvasutras, but could have been the basis of some of the knowledge that is propounded in them, specifically, the Pythagoras theorem and the value of √2.

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Articles in APF Magazines

Authors:

Dani, S. G. and Limaye, Medha

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