In Hinduism

Ganitashastra (Mathematics and Algebra)

Source: archive.org: Hindu Mathematics

Aṅkapallī (अङ्कपल्ली) refers to “the system of decimal notation”, as defined according to the principles of Gaṇita-śāstra, ancient Indian mathematics and astronomy.—A peculiar numerical notation, using distinct letters or syllables of the alphabet, is found to have been used in the pagination of old manuscripts as well as in some coins and a few inscriptions. The signs are, however, not always the same. Very frequently they are slightly differentiated, probably in order to distinguish the signs with numerical values from those with letter values. The fact that these symbols are letters is also acknowledged by the name akṣarapallī which the Jainas occasionally give to this system, in order to distinguish it from the decimal notation, the aṅkapallī.

context information

Ganitashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, gaṇitaśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of mathematics, algebra, number theory, arithmetic, etc. Closely allied with astronomy, both were commonly taught and studied in universities, even since the 1st millennium BCE. Ganita-shastra also includes ritualistic math-books such as the Shulba-sutras.

India history and geography

Source: Project Gutenberg: The Hindu-Arabic Numerals

Aṅkapalli (अङ्कपल्लि) refers to the “decimal-place system of writing numbers” [Note: the nine ciphers were called aṅka].—When the aṅkapalli was perfected, the tenth symbol was called the śūnyabindu, generally shortened to śūnya (the void). Brockhaus has well said that if there was any invention for which the Hindus, by all their philosophy and religion, were well fitted, it was the invention of a symbol for zero. This making of nothingness the crux of a tremendous achievement was a step in complete harmony with the genius of the Hindu.—(Cf. “Zur Geschichte des indischen Ziffernsystems”, Zeitschrift für die Kunde des Morgenlandes, Vol. IV, 1842, pp. 74-83.)

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Palli, Anka.

Full-text: Anka.

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