Mathematics in Ancient and Medieval India c5.s6.25

c5.s6.25

(g) *Arabic*: Bīrūnī (973 1048 A. D.) has referred to two types of notation of numbers namely, the alphabetic (*abjd*) system as *Hurūf al-jummal* or *Hiṣāb al-jummal* and the modern numerals as *al-arqam al-hind* (*Indian numerals*). Numerous applications of alphabetic numerals are also available in his *Chronology of the Ancient Nations*.¹ Bīrūnī in his *Kitāb al-tafhim li-awā'il sinā'at at-tanjīm* (The Book of Instructions in the Art of Astrology) has given both these notation of numbers. The alphabetic system (*Hurūf al-jummal*), as used by Bīrūnī was apportioned in orderly sequence to 26 alphabets though initially there was no particular order in their use. It was based on the values of the alphabets without use of decimal place order. This notation seems to have been used exclusively by Arabian astronomers. The other system (*al-arqam al-hind*) given by Bīrūnī and others is shown in the table (vide p. 60). In the tenth and a few following centuries it is found that several mathematical works were composed by the Arab scholars having titles containing the words, *al-hind*, *al-hindi*, *al-takht*, *al-ghobar*.¹ These contained methods and systems very closely resembling those of the Indians.