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and a highly developed irrigation system could not have been possible, without a corresponding strong development of mathematics.
4.2 Numerals and Zero Symbols -
The profundity of the invention of place numerals is understood only when one realizes the difficulty of marking progress in arithmetic using other systems, such as the Greek systems of numerals I, II, X, C, etc. The Greek method of representing numbers by geometrical segments, and the slow progress of mathematics in the West, before the advent of the Indian systems in the West, are glaring examples of the handicaps which the people were realizing, because they were not acquainted with the Indian decimal system.
The importance of the decimal systems of numeration can best be appreciated in the words of Laplace (1749-1827), one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. He wrote "the idea of expressing all quantities by nine figures (or digits), where by is imparted to them both an absolute value and by position, is so simple that this very simplicity is the reason for our not being sufficiently aware how much admiration it deserves".
The invention of a symbol for zero came time after the idea of a zero becomes common property. Thus the men who devised numerals and a symbol for zero did a great service to civilization. Neither the names of these persons nor the period when they lives are known with identity, as it was not until the numerals had not been in use for centuries. Limit was also become the history of mathematics in India reached the stage of preserving the names of important contributors, much later.
In an article in the American Mathematical Monthly, Professor G.B. Holstead shows that the zero existed in India at the time of Pingala's work Candas-Sūtra a work on prosody before 200 BC. He remarks: the importance of the creation of the zero mark can never be exaggerated. This going to carry nothing, habitation and a name, a picture, symbol, but helpful power, is the characteristic of Hindu race whence it sprang It is like coining the Nirvana into synamos.
No. Single mathematical creation has been more potent for the general on go of the intelligence and power. In fact the zero symbols was used in metric by Pingala (before 200 BC) in his Chandas-Sūtra.
5. Concluding Remarks -
(i) There are many difference between Greek and Hindu mathematics. In the first place, the Hindus who worked in mathematics regarded themselves, primarily as astronomers; consequently, Hindu mathematics remained largely a handmaiden to astronomy, where Greek mathematics attained an independent
अर्हत् वचन 23 (3), 2011
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