Mathematical Background of Traditional Iconometry: Some Observations with reference to Sanskrit <em>Śilpa</em> Texts Written in Sri Lanka

Mathematics and the science of construction (vāstuśāstra) developed side by side in India for many centuries. Mathematics is an indispensable part of any type of formal construction and sculpture is not an exception. Though sculpture is a visual art form, the science and technology of construction of statues were not alien to Indians even in ancient time. The śilpa literature in Sanskrit attest to the fact that ancient sculpture originated and evolved in a relatively advanced mathematical background and that the inventors of this body of knowledge knew relevant mathematical rules, theorems, and concepts and applied them in constructions. The ancient sculptural tradition of Sri Lanka was also highly influenced by Indian sculpture and knowledge of Indian mathematics too must have transmitted to Sri Lanka; hence the Sanskrit śilpa texts written in Sri Lanka are a testimony as to how mathematical concepts developed in India were influential in Sri Lankan sculptural traditions. This paper intends to examine some of these mathematical concepts with special reference to the Sanskrit śilpa texts written in Sri Lanka.