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`Indians invented the decimal system'

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: "Indians' invention of the decimal system, especially zero, has paved the way for today's IT revolution," B.A. Subbrayappa, former president of International Union of History and Philosophy of Science, UNESCO, has said.

Making a presentation on "The enchanting story of numerals" at the Mythic Society here, Dr. Subbrayappa stressed that Indians were the pioneers in inventing the decimal system. "Although we do not know who invented the zero, Aryabhata used it extensively and the credit goes to India. The decimal system was later popularised by the Arabs, who had come to India for trade."

The existing number system took shape only after the 9th Century when Arabs extended their occupation to Spain. He stressed the need for using figures or numerals by citing examples. The earliest instance of such writing was seen in Egypt, he said.

Historian Suryanath Kamath, who stressed the need for children to learn the abacus, said the system was not so much used in India earlier. Pointing out that abacus was necessary in Europe in the olden days, Dr. Kamath said: "The necessity was felt then because Europeans used roman figures. But the Japanese have now started popularising the abacus across the world."

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