In Square Circle: Geometric Knowledge of the Indus Civilization

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the Indus Valley Civilization possessed advanced geometric knowledge, evidenced by artifacts with complex tiling patterns, suggesting an earlier origin of mathematical thinking in South Asia than previously believed.

Contribution

It introduces a hypothesis that geometric understanding in South Asia predates the Sulbasutras, based on analysis of Indus artifacts with sophisticated design patterns.

Findings

Artifacts display complex space-filling tiling patterns.

Evidence suggests early geometric knowledge in the third millennium BCE.

Supports earlier origins of mathematical thinking in South Asia.

Abstract

The earliest origins of mathematics in the Indian subcontinent is generally dated around 800-500 BCE when the {\em Sulbasutras} are thought to have been written. In this article we suggest that mathematical thinking in South Asia, in particular, geometry, may have had an even earlier beginning - in the third millenium BCE. We base our hypothesis on the analysis of design patterns, such as complex space-filling tiling, seen on artifacts of the Indus Valley Civilization (also referred to as the Mature Harappan Civilization, 2500-1900 BCE) which speaks of a deep understanding of sophisticated geometric principles.