History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c7.s4.1

v1.c7.s4.1

**Scale of Notation.** We can definitely say that from the very earliest known times, ten has formed the basis of numeration in India.¹ In fact, there is absolutely no trace of the extensive use of any other base of numeration in the whole of Sanskrit literature. It is also characteristic of India that there should be found at a very early date long series of number names for very high numerals. While the Greeks had no terminology for denominations above the *myriad* (10⁴), and the Romans above the *mille* (10³), the ancient Hindus dealt freely with no less than eighteen denominations. In modern times also, the numeral language of no other nation is as scientific and perfect as that of the Hindus.