Yes, the numbers we commonly refer to as "Arabic numerals" originated in India.
The Origin of Hindu-Arabic Numerals
The set of ten symbols—1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0—used to represent numbers in the decimal number system, known as Hindu-Arabic numerals, originated in India during the 6th or 7th century. These numerals were later introduced to Europe through the writings of Middle Eastern mathematicians, notably al-Khwarizmi and al-Kindi, around the 12th century.
How They Spread
The adoption and spread of these numerals can be attributed to:
- Indian mathematicians: Developed the number system.
- Middle Eastern scholars: Translated and popularized the system.
- European adoption: Recognized the efficiency of the system for mathematics and commerce.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | India (6th or 7th century) |
| Transmission | Middle East (around the 12th century) to Europe |
| Key Figures | al-Khwarizmi, al-Kindi |
