Prelims 2026 · Ancient History · Question 7
Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India :<br/><br/>1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595 – 596).<br/>2. In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India.<br/>3. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century.<br/><br/>Which of the statements given above are correct ?<br/>
Answer
1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is conventionally accepted: the Mankani plates of Gujarat, dated to AD 595-596, are cited as the earliest Indian epigraphic use of place-value notation. Statement 2 is correct because place-value numerals became general in Indian inscriptions by the ninth century. Statement 3 is also correct because Sanskrit inscriptions in Southeast Asia show place-value notation by the seventh century. Hence, all three statements are correct.