A Comparative Study of `Euclidean and Śulbasūtra Constructions

Abstract

The difference between Indian mathematics and Greek mathematics lies not only in the methods employed by them and the purpose of study, but also in their definitions, propositions and proofs. But the geometric constructions in both these cultures are almost similar. The present paper discusses a comparison between geometric constructions in ‘ Śulbasūtras ’ (800 BC-200 BC) and Euclid’s ‘Elements’ (300 BC). There are three types of constructions in both of these treatises. The first type is the construction of plane figures like squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, trapeziums etc. The second type is the construction of geometric figures by transformation of another geometric figure without changing area. The third type is the construction of similar figures. Comparing the methods of constructions we see that the propositions behind the geometric constructions of the first type in ‘ Śulba ’ and ‘Elements’ are similar. But in the case of the second and third type of constructions, the methods are extremely different in both of these treatises.