Reflecting on the preliminary stages of Indian ancient history, we can shed light on an essential phase – the Vedic Age. The Vedic Age introduced us to the Veda system, a profound aspect that marks its significance.
Vedic Age in the Limelight
Recently, the Vedic Age and the Veda System achieved renewed attention due to a position paper by the Karnataka government regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The document was notable for its counterclaim against Pythagoras’s theorem, classifying it as “fake news”. The government paper referenced an ancient Indian script known as the Baudhayana Sulbasutra, which contains a shloka that elucidates the theorem.
Understanding Pythagoras
Pythagoras, a Greek philosopher dating around 570–490 BC, is subject to much curiosity due to his secretive educational society established in Italy. Despite there being limited knowledge of his mathematical accomplishments since his writings are no longer available, his theorem still stands prominent in current mathematics.
About the Pythagoras Theorem
The Pythagoras theorem explicates the relationship among the three sides of a right-angled triangle, mathematically represented as a² + b² = c². If the dimensions of any two sides are familiar, the theorem assists in determining the length of the third side.
Vedic Mathematicians and the Pythagoras Theorem
References of the Pythagoras theorem can be found in ancient texts known as Sulbasutras that describe the fire rituals performed by Vedic Indians. The oldest among these is the Baudhayana Sulbasutra, estimated to date back to about 800 BCE. The text includes a geometric fact equivalent to what is now known as the Pythagoras theorem.
Evolution of Knowledge about the Equation
The earliest evidence of the use of this mathematical rule dates back to the Old Babylonian civilization of 1900-1600 BCE, where it was referred to as the Diagonal Rule. The first proof came from a period post-sulbasutras, with the oldest surviving axiomatic proof found in the Elements of Euclid, dating 300 BCE.
Understanding Vedas
The term ‘Veda’ signifies knowledge, and the concept encapsulates life understanding for humans both on earth and beyond. There are four significant Vedas – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda, each focusing on different aspects, including worldly prosperity, natural beauty, rites of sacrifice, songs and melodies, and peace and prosperity of human society.
The Significance of Vedic Age and Veda System
The Vedic Age holds paramount importance not just in Indian history but also in the development of Indian society. The Veda System, embodied in the four major Vedas, provides a wealth of wisdom extending from day-to-day life activities to understanding of the universe. These ancient texts provide timeless knowledge that continues to be relevant today.