Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India: 1. The ear

Question

Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India: 1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595–596). 2. In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India. 3. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century.

Accepted Answer

All three statements are correct. The Mankani copper-plate charter (c. 594–596 CE) provides the earliest epigraphic evidence. Decimal place-value became general in inscriptions by the 9th century CE (e.g., Gwalior's Chaturbhuj Temple inscription, 876 CE). Southeast Asian Sanskrit inscriptions from the 7th century CE (e.g., 683–684 CE inscriptions from Srivijaya/Cambodia) also show the system.