Course on Exploring Śulbasūtras

July 12th to August 30th, 2023.

Chanakya University’s Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems successfully conducted a 15-hour short-term certificate course, “Exploring Śulbasūtras: An Overview of Cord Geometry,” from July 12th to August 30th, 2023. Aimed at promoting Indian knowledge systems, the course, led by Dr. Vanishri Bhat, delved into the geometric procedures outlined in Śulbasūtras, ancient manuals dating back to 800 BCE. The course, delivered on Microsoft Teams, attracted an enthusiastic response, with over 48 participants from India and overseas, representing diverse academic backgrounds. Dr. Bhat explored the integration of geometry into ancient Indian rituals, focusing on altar construction utilizing simple cords to create intricate shapes. The sessions, structured for active engagement, included discussions, recordings, and shared materials The course evaluation comprised an assignment and an online quiz, totaling 30 points. Three guest lectures further enriched the curriculum, featuring discussions on “Tretagni Altar Construction” by Dr. Shriramana Sharma and two sessions on “Mathematics in the Vedic Era” by Prof. Amartya Kumara Dutta. Feedback from participants, collected through a Google form, reflected the course’s success, with commendations for its design, delivery, and content. The overwhelmingly positive response suggests its potential inclusion in the national curriculum, and ongoing feedback will guide future enhancements to ensure continued success and relevance.