Mathematics in Ancient and Medieval India c5.s6.24

c5.s6.24

This third numeral system, (given in the *Bakhshālī MS.*—vide Table) which contains only ten symbols from one to nine and the symbol for zero could express any number however large on decimal place-value system. In this system the values of the notational places, *eka*, *daśa*, *śata* etc. increase either from right to left or from left to right. The numbers are always read from higher to lower order. This system is identical with the system which as we have seen appeared later amongst the Arabs during the tenth century of the Christian era. From there it went to Europe. And this system has now been adopted by all the civilized peoples of the world.