UPSC CSE Prelims
Mathematics Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
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Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India :
- The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595 – 596).
- In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India.
- The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 — Correct. The earliest inscription showing the place-value system in India is the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595-596).
Statement 2 — Correct. Even though the idea of place-value/zero existed earlier (in texts like Aryabhata's works), it took time to spread into everyday inscriptions. It became common everywhere in India only by the 9th century (example: Gwalior's Chaturbhuj Temple inscription, 876 CE).
Statement 3 — Correct. India's place-value system spread to South-east Asia quickly. Evidence found in Sanskrit inscriptions in Cambodia, Sumatra, Java as early as the 7th century CE.
All three statements are simply different timeline facts about the same topic — no contradiction.
Memory Trick: "Gujarat first (595), India-wide by 9th century, South-east Asia got it even before that (7th century)" — shows how fast and far the idea travelled.
Place-Value System & Zero in India
| Event | Date/Period | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Earliest epigraphic evidence in India | AD 595-596 | Mankani plates, Gujarat |
| Spread to South-east Asia | 7th century CE | Sanskrit inscriptions in Cambodia, Sumatra, Java |
| Became general in Indian inscriptions | 9th century CE | E.g., Gwalior's Chaturbhuj Temple inscription (876 CE) |
| Conceptual/mathematical origin | Earlier than epigraphic use | Found in texts like Aryabhata's works |
Why it matters:
- India is credited with the invention of zero and decimal place-value system
- This system later travelled to the Arab world and then to Europe (hence called "Hindu-Arabic numeral system")
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