Information on the Discovery

The discovery of zero and the decimal system is not attributed to a single event but rather a gradual development that took place in ancient India. The use of zero as a number in its own right, rather than merely a placeholder, was a revolutionary idea. This concept, combined with the decimal system, allowed for a more straightforward and efficient way to represent numbers and perform calculations.

Story

The story of zero's discovery intertwines with the cultural and intellectual history of India. It emerged from the need for a symbol to represent the concept of 'nothingness' or 'emptiness' in mathematical calculations. This was deeply influenced by the philosophical and spiritual concepts of 'shunya' (emptiness) in Indian thought.

History of the Discovery

The earliest recorded evidence of the use of zero dates back to the 5th century in the form of a dot symbolizing zero in a Jain text. Aryabhata, an Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 5th century AD, is often credited with formalizing the use of zero and the decimal system. His work, the 'Aryabhatiya', demonstrates the use of zero and place-value system.

Scriptural References and Its Mentions

In addition to the 'Aryabhatiya', other Indian texts such as the 'Brahmagupta Siddhanta', written by Brahmagupta in the 7th century, provide extensive information on the use of zero and the decimal system. These texts not only discuss the mathematical applications but also delve into the philosophical aspects of zero.

Global Influence/Acceptance

The concept of zero and the decimal system spread from India to the Islamic world and later to Europe. This transmission was largely through the works of mathematicians like Al-Khwarizmi and Fibonacci. The global acceptance of this system laid the foundation for modern mathematics, science, and technology.