History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c7.s10.1

v1.c7.s10.1

**Explanation of the System.** A system of expressing numbers by means of words arranged as in the place-value notation was developed and perfected in India in the early centuries of the Christian era. In this system the numerals are expressed by names of things, beings or concepts, which, naturally or in accordance with the teaching of the *Śâstras*, connote numbers. Thus the number one may be denoted by anything that is markedly unique, *e.g.*, the moon, the earth, etc.; the number two may be denoted by any pair, *e.g.*, the eyes, the hands, the twins, etc.; and similarly others. The zero is denoted by words meaning void, sky, complete, etc.