Sambodhi 2013 Vol 36

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 26

Parameswaran Murthiyedath
SAMBODHI
Most of the descriptions of the trapeziums in the Rgveda could be termed as comparatively simple, since the definitions came by direct statement of measurements, though the diabolical style of narration was always there. But in the case of the triangular forms of this verse and that of RV1.164.48 an apparent uniqueness could be noticed. In such cases, though the configuration gets completed by a process of progressive construction, one would get a feeling that a method of prior estimation and anticipated final value was within the abilities of the sages. If a finite area value was anticipated, the question that would arise is how could an infinite value could be targeted so accurately for that purpose. But we find that it was by a series of progressive steps taken that a desired configuration was brought about. In the process, we could also observe that the value of it was cleverly circumvented, possibly by using two concentric circles and the associated similarity and symmetry. Further the divine nature of the circle is in a way declared by making those circles to stand almost inconspicuous!(?)
It is evident that the Vedic sages any way had the capacity for discreet arithmetic operations. The terms such as "dvipade catuspade", stating a geometric progression and expansion could be taken as comparatively simpler, to the striking set of series suggested by "asvapayaddabhitaye sahasrā trimsatam hathai: dāsānāmindro māyāyā” of RV4.030.21. This verse said that the universe progressively emaciated to the ends as if 1000 is divided by 30 and the balance 10 divided by 30 and the balance again divided by 30 and so on. If we conceive this operation as 33, 33.3, 33.333 etc. different series would emerge and the sages must have been angling to a particular value, which could be firmed up as suggested by the term "sahasrā”.
Table 1: Rate of emaciation
.
Remainder
/div
Dividend
product
Remainder
100
30
33.3
999
30
0.0333
0.999
0.001
0.001 -
30
0.0000333
0.000999 0.000000999
0.00001 0.000000001
0.000001
30
0.0000000333