Vedic geometry is a branch of ancient Indian mathematics that dates back thousands of years. It is closely connected to the religious and philosophical texts known as the Vedas, which were composed in Sanskrit. The Vedas are considered among the oldest scriptures of Hinduism and were transmitted orally before being written down.
Geometry is revealed in several ancient Hindu scriptures, including the following:
- Shulba Sutras: These texts are a part of the larger Kalpa Sutras, which are appendices to the Vedas. The Shulba Sutras specifically focus on geometry and provide detailed instructions for constructing altars and fire pits for Vedic rituals. They contain various geometric principles and formulas related to the construction of geometric shapes and proportions.
- Sulba Sutras: These are texts associated with the Shrauta Sutras, which are ritual manuals also connected to the Vedas. The Sulba Sutras deal with geometrical constructions for sacrificial altars. They describe geometric concepts such as the Pythagorean theorem (known as the “Katapayadi theorem” in Indian mathematics), right angles, and proportions.
- Vedic Mathematics: While not specifically a scripture, Vedic Mathematics is a system of mathematical techniques and principles derived from the ancient Indian texts, including the Vedas and other related works. While Vedic Mathematics encompasses a wide range of mathematical topics, it also includes geometric principles and methods.
It’s important to note that Vedic geometry is a term used to describe the geometric knowledge found within these ancient texts. The term “Vedic” refers to the connection with the Vedas and the broader Vedic tradition, which encompasses various aspects of Indian culture, philosophy, and knowledge.
