History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c7.s7.17

v1.c7.s7.17

**Theories about their Origin.** Quite a large number of theories have been advanced to explain the origin of the Brâhmî numerals. Points of resemblance have been imagined between these numerals and those of other nations. Recourse has been taken by writers to the turning, twisting, adding on or cutting off of parts of the numerals of other nations to fit their pet theories. It is needless to say that each of these theories had its own supporters who were quite convinced of the correctness of their explanations. We give below the outlines of some of these theories: