Vedic Numerations and the Genesis of Arabic Numerals

N. M. Kansara’s Vedic Numerations and the Genesis of Arabic Numerals investigates the origins of numeral systems and argues for India’s key role. European scholars have variously attributed the invention of numerals to Hebrews, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Chaldeans or Arabs. Kansara notes that despite borrowing from Greek and Chinese sources in astronomy, ancient Indian literature displays advanced civilisation, sciences and mathematics, including Pythagorean triples long before Pythagoras. The Sulbasutras and Vedangas show an independent origin of Hindu geometry and knowledge of irrational numbers and geometric constructions. The article observes that primary schools existed in early India and that writing and arithmetic were highly valued. During the Vedic period, Indians paid close attention to astronomy, implying sophisticated calculation. Although the earliest stages of numeral development remain uncertain, Kansara argues that India developed the positional decimal system and transmitted it to the Arab world and Europe. Recognising India’s contribution corrects Eurocentric histories and underscores global exchange in mathematics.

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