History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c8.s4.33

v1.c8.s4.33

The main features of the method are (*i*) the relative positions of the multiplicand and the multiplier and (*ii*) the rubbing out of figures of the multiplicand and the substitution in their places of the figures of the product. The method owes its name *kapâṭa-sandhi* to the first feature, and the later Hindu terms meaning "killing" or "destroying" for multiplication owe their origin to the second feature. The occurrence of the terms *hanana*, *vadha*, etc., in the works of Âryabhaṭa I and Brahmagupta, and in the Bakhshâlî Manuscript show beyond doubt that this method was known in India about 200 A.D.