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UPSC CSE Pre 1995

History of Indian Science

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

'Zero' was discovered by-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept While specific scholars like Aryabhatta used place-value systems, the actual 'concept' and symbol of zero as a placeholder and a number emerged gradually through the work of anonymous Indian mathematicians over centuries.

Explanation Early evidence includes the Bakshali Manuscript and a famous CE 876 inscription at the Chaturbhuj Temple in Gwalior. While Aryabhatta and Brahmagupta formalized its rules, the original discoverer remains anonymous.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Although Aryabhatta used the zero concept in his place-value system, historical precision attributes the discovery to the collective evolution of Indian mathematical thought by anonymous scholars.
Logic 2: The concept was later transmitted to the Arab world (Hindust), from where it eventually reached Europe.

Active Recall

Question

How did the invention of zero change world mathematics?

Answer

It allowed for the decimal place-value system, simplifying complex calculations and laying the foundation for modern algebra and computing.

Core Insight

The naming of specific scholars for zero is often a historical simplification; it was a systemic evolution of Indian 'Shunya' philosophy into mathematical practice.

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