Indian Mathematics c9.5

c9.5

22. According to the Hindus the modern place-value system of arithmetical notation is of divine origin. This led the early orientalists to believe that, at any rate, the system had been in use in India from time immemorial; but an examination of the facts shows that the early notations in use were not place-value ones and that the modern place-value system was not introduced until comparatively modern times. The early systems employed may be conveniently termed (*a*) the Kharoshṭhī, (*b*) the Brāhmī, (*c*) Āryabhaṭa’s alphabetic notation, (*d*) the word-symbol notation.