search
bell
2
icon

Enjoy 0% GST on your policy premium. Get ₹1 Cr. Life Cover at just ₹22.5/day* + 10%^ Online Discount with IndiaFirst Life ELITE Term Plan (UIN 143N070V01). *^T&C Apply.

Know More
icon

Tired of complicated insurance? We’ve made it effortless - Introducing IndiaFirst Life app-like tool Calculate, plan, and protect—all from your device. Your future is just a tap away.

Install now!
Pay Premium
Track application

En

menu

More

Term Insurance Plans

Income Based Term Plans

Term Insurance Coverage Options

Term Insurance for EveryOne

Term Insurance For Coverage for all Ages

Term Insurance Calculator

Term Insurance Riders

drop-header-img

IndiaFirst Life Elite Term Plan

Learn More Get Quote
drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Elite Term Plan

  • Lifetime protection till age 99 years

  • High cover at affordable cost

  • Convenient premium payment options

  • Sum Assured as lumpsum or monthly instalments

Download Brochure One Pager

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Super Protection Plan

  • Option to get your money back (Return of Premium- ROP)

  • Flexibility to pay premiums at your convenience

  • Lifetime protection till age 99 years

  • Sum Assured as lumpsum or monthly instalments

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Life Plan

  • Flexibility to choose the duration

  • Family will receive the payout

  • Flexibility to choose the assured amount

  • Long term protection

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Protect Shield Plus Plan

  • Instant Issuance

  • Flat rate cover

  • No medicals

  • Tax benefits as per prevailing tax laws

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Saral Jeevan Bima Plan

  • Life Insurance Cover of up to ₹50 lakhs.

  • Flexible premium payment options

  • Up to 40 years of protection for loved ones.

  • Protection against COVID-19 with lump sum benefit.

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Term Rider Plan

  • Additional Life Cover for up to 5-30 years

  • Guaranteed Lumpsum Death Benefit

  • Enjoy Tax Benefits on Premiums You Invest.

Download Brochure

Investment Plans

Term Insurance Plan

ULIP Plans

Savings Plans

Retirement & Pension Plans

Guaranteed Returns Plans

Life Insurance Rider

Group & Corporate Life Insurance Plans

Child Insurance Plans

drop-header-img

IndiaFirst Life Radiance Smart Invest Plan

Learn More Get Quote
drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Elite Term Plan

  • Benefits at Maturity & Life cover

  • High cover at affordable cost

  • Convenient premium payment options

  • Sum Assured as lumpsum or monthly instalments

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Super Protection Plan

  • Option to get your money back (Return of Premium- ROP)

  • Flexibility to pay premiums at your convenience

  • Lifetime protection till age 99 years

  • Sum Assured as lumpsum or monthly instalments

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Life Plan

  • Flexibility to choose the duration

  • Family will receive the payout

  • Flexibility to choose the assured amount

  • Long term protection

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Protect Shield Plus Plan

  • Flexibility to choose the duration

  • Family will receive the payout

  • Flexibility to choose the assured amount

  • Long term protection

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Saral Jeevan Bima Plan

  • Life Insurance Cover of up to ₹50 lakhs.

  • Flexible premium payment options

  • Up to 40 years of protection for loved ones.

  • Protection against COVID-19 with lump sum benefit.

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Radiance Smart Invest Plan

  • Zero Fund allocation charges

  • 10 different funds to choose from

  • 3 plan options to achieve your investment goals

  • 100% money invested for higher returns

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Money Balance Plan

  • Optimised Investment Strategy

  • Flexible-Premium Payment

  • Partial Withdrawal Flexibility

  • Convenient Fund Accessibility

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

TULIP Plus Plan

  • Up to 100x life insurance cover

  • Up to 750%* return of Premium Allocation charges

  • Riders designed to cover additional risks

  • Reduced premium allocation charge for higher premiums

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

TULIP Pro Plan

  • Up to 20X Life Cover for Your Loved Ones

  • Additional Coverage through TERM Rider

  • Multiple Investment Strategies and up to 10 Diversified Funds

  • Up to 600% of Premium Allocation Charges returned at Maturity

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Wealth Maximizer Plan

  • Market Linked Returns

  • Free switches for maximum gain

  • Long-term loyalty benefits

  • Add top-up premiums

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Assured Income For Milestones Plan

  • Guaranteed long-term income plan

  • Ideal for milestone-based financial planning

  • Three customizable benefit options

  • Immediate or deferred income variants

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Guarantee Of Life Dreams Plan

  • Choice of 3 income Options

  • UpTo 5% Extra Income on Online Purchase

  • Enhanced Income Benefit for Women

  • Option to Choose the date to receive a regular income.

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Guaranteed Single Premium Plan

  • One-time payment (Single Pay)

  • Tax saving benefits*

  • Life Cover that is 1.25 times higher

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Mahajeevan Plus Plan

  • Life cover of up to 15 or 20 years

  • Periodic Cash backs

  • Uninterrupted Life Cover

  • Money Back Discounts with Early Premium Payments

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Smart Retirement Plan

  • Market-linked returns, with 3 new funds!

  • 2 plan options to secure your retirement

  • ZERO allocation or administration charges.

  • Guaranteed Additions* of up to 5% in Year 1

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Guaranteed Pension Plan

  • Income for Life

  • 5 Annuity Choices

  • Joint Life Security

  • Escalating Annuity option

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Guaranteed Annuity Plan

  • Retirement Planning

  • 12 Annuity Options

  • Exclusive benefits for NPS subscribers

  • Continuity with Joint Life Option

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Guaranteed Retirement Plan

  • Assured Returns

  • Beat Inflation

  • Choose How to Save

  • Save Longer for up to 40 years

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Assured Income For Milestones Plan

  • Guaranteed long-term income plan

  • Ideal for milestone-based financial planning

  • Three customizable benefit options

  • Immediate or deferred income variants

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Guarantee Of Life Dreams Plan

  • Choice of 3 income Options

  • UpTo 5% Extra Income on Online Purchase

  • Enhanced Income Benefit for Women

  • Option to Choose the date to receive a regular income.

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Guaranteed Single Premium Plan

  • One-time payment (Single Pay)

  • Tax saving benefits*

  • Life Cover that is 1.25 times higher

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Life Long Guaranteed Income Plan

  • Short-Term Payments, Long-Term Gains

  • Guaranteed Income to fulfill Financial Goals

  • Lifetime Income Till 99 years of age

  • Premium Payback Assurance

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Term Rider Plan

  • Additional Life Cover for up to 5-30 years

  • Guaranteed Lumpsum Death Benefit

  • Enjoy Tax Benefits on Premiums You Invest.

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Waiver of Premium Rider

  • 3 Coverage Options

  • Guaranteed Financial Protection For Your Loved Ones

  • Policy Remains Effective in Your Absence (WOP)

  • 10 Critical Illness Cover

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

ADB Rider

  • Up to 2 Cr. Additional cover over existing policy

  • Protect your loved ones at affordable price.

  • Tax Advantages

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

TPD Rider

  • Up to 1 Cr. Additional cover

  • Protect your loved ones at affordable price.

  • Tax Advantages

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Group Living Benefits Plan

  • Comprehensive Group Health Insurance

  • Affordable Heatlh Coverage for Corporate

  • COVID-19 Protection for Group Life Insurance

  • Fixed Benefit Assurance

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Group Term Plan

  • Affordable Group Term Insurance

  • Voluntary or Automatic Enrollment

  • Enhanced Coverage with EDLI

  • Flexible Premium Payment

Download Brochure

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

New Corporate Benefit Plan

  • A separate plan for each scheme

  • Minimum guaranteed return of 0.5% p.a.

  • Yearly Bonus as per company’s performance

  • Earn easy returns

drop-header-img
IndianFirstLife

Little Champ Plan

  • Financial Protection

  • Customisable Policy

  • Guaranteed Payouts

  • Flexible Coverage Options

Download Brochure

Insurance Calculators

Investment Calculators

Financial Planning Calculators

Health Calculators

drop-header-img

IndiaFirst Life Elite Term Plan

Learn More Get Quote
drop-header-img

Term Insurance Calculator

Use our Term Insurance Calculator to estimate the right cover for your family’s financial security.

drop-header-img

Child Plan Calculator

Plan your child’s education and future goals with our easy Child Plan Calculator.

drop-header-img

Retirement Planning Calculator

Estimate how much you need to save for a comfortable and stress-free retirement.

drop-header-img

Cost of Delay Calculator

See how delaying investments can impact your long-term wealth creation.

drop-header-img

Human Life Value Calculator

Calculate your Human Life Value and understand the insurance cover your family needs.

drop-header-img

Paid-Up Calculator

Check the paid-up value of your policy and make informed financial decisions.

drop-header-img

Annuity Calculator

Estimate your regular income after retirement using our Annuity Calculator.

drop-header-img

ULIP Calculator

Estimate potential returns on your ULIP investments over the policy term.

drop-header-img

Compound Interest Calculator

Understand how your money grows over time with the power of compounding.

drop-header-img

Future Wealth Creation Calculator

Plan your investments effectively to achieve your long-term wealth goals.

drop-header-img

SIP Calculator

Calculate returns on your monthly SIP investments in just a few clicks.

drop-header-img

Lumpsum Calculator

Calculate your estimated returns on your lumpsum investment

drop-header-img

Simple Interest Calculator

Find out the interest amount based on your principal, rate, and time using the simple interest method.

drop-header-img

SSY Calculator

Use our simple SSY calculator and figure out how much you can save for your daughter’s future.

drop-header-img

Income Tax Calculator

Calculate your tax liability and plan your taxes efficiently.

drop-header-img

Home Loan EMI Calculator

Calculate your home loan EMIs and manage repayments with ease.

drop-header-img

Car Loan EMI Calculator

Find out your car loan EMI and choose the right repayment plan.

drop-header-img

Personal Loan EMI Calculator

Estimate your personal loan EMIs before applying for a loan.

drop-header-img

Inflation Calculator

Understand how inflation will affect your expenses and future goals

drop-header-img

Gratuity Calculator

Calculate the gratuity amount you may receive based on your tenure and salary.

drop-header-img

Salary Calculator

Calculate your take-home salary after deductions and allowances.

drop-header-img

BMI Calculator

Check your Body Mass Index and understand your health better.

Expert Resources

Knowledge Centre

drop-header-img

IndiaFirst Life Radiance Smart Invest Plan

Learn More Get Quote
drop-header-img

Nominee Central

Your one-stop hub to help your loved ones easily access, understand, and manage everything related to life insurance nomination and claims.

drop-header-img

Life Insurance Ki Kitaab

Your simple, go-to guide for understanding life insurance basics.

drop-header-img

India's Firsts

Discover India’s pioneering innovations and historic milestones that shaped the world.

drop-header-img

Life+ Newsletter

Your monthly dose of simple, smart insights on insurance and money matters—delivered straight to your inbox.

drop-header-img

Insurance Videos

Quick, easy videos that help you understand insurance better.

drop-header-img

Insurance Podcasts

Listen to expert insights that simplify insurance on the go.

Claims

drop-header-img

IndiaFirst Life Radiance Smart Invest Plan

Learn More Get Quote

Download Section

Reach Out to Us

drop-header-img

IndiaFirst Life Radiance Smart Invest Plan

Learn More Get Quote

En

search
bell
2
icon

Enjoy 0% GST on your policy premium. Get ₹1 Cr. Life Cover at just ₹22.5/day* + 10%^ Online Discount with IndiaFirst Life ELITE Term Plan (UIN 143N070V01). *^T&C Apply.

Know More
icon

Tired of complicated insurance? We’ve made it effortless - Introducing IndiaFirst Life app-like tool Calculate, plan, and protect—all from your device. Your future is just a tap away.

Install now!
menu
Menu
close
More arrow
back More
close
Ask an Expert arrow
drop-header-img

Get Quote Learn More

Ask an Expert

Menu

Term insurance

Pay Premium
Invest & Save Tax
search
mic
close-search
image Protect Your Family image Build Wealth image Plan Your Retirement

No results for

Check that your search query has been entered correctly or try another search.

askchat-img Choose a Time Slot
cross

Let Us know a suitable time for you.

Ask an Expert to Buy Life Insurance

We're happy to know that you're prioritizing your family's future. Our life insurance expert will assist you in finding the best insurance plan. To schedule a call, please share some of the below details.

right-icon-placeholder
right-icon-placeholder
male male

Male

male male

Female

male male

Other

Thank you for submitting your details

Our representative will reach out to you soon to guide you through our life insurance plans that fit your life goals

08 Apr 2025

India's Decimal Invention: A Revolutionary Contribution to Mathematics

Written by
The Logical Indian
Category
Science and Wellbeing
Views
Guaranteed Pension Plan

Introduction

The invention of the decimal system, with its cornerstone zero, stands as one of the most pivotal moments in human history. The origins of the decimal system and the concept of zero have been debated, but significant evidence points to ancient India as a key contributor to its development.

An Inkling of an Idea

The journey of the decimal system began with the ancient Indian sages, who first conceptualised a symbol to represent zero. This seemingly simple addition to numerical notation revolutionised mathematics, empowering scholars to manipulate numbers of any magnitude with ease. The Indian mathematicians of the classical period, including luminaries like Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Mahavira, and Bhaskara II, not only incorporated zero into their positional numerical system but also elevated it to the status of an independent number with unique properties.
 

Around the year 500, Aryabhata introduced a decimal system of positional numeration, laying the groundwork for modern mathematics. Although he used the word "kha" instead of a symbol for zero, subsequent scholars like Brahmagupta in the seventh century solidified zero as a bona fide number, essential for arithmetic operations.

 

Finding Beauty and Elegance in Simplicity

The beauty of the positional decimal system lies in its simplicity. With just ten digits—0 to 9—any number can be expressed, making complex calculations more manageable. This contrasts sharply with non-positional systems like the Roman numerals, which require numerous symbols and hinder efficient computation.
 

Inscriptions dating back to the seventh century provide evidence of the zero symbol's existence, however, it was the Bakhshali Manuscript, discovered in 1881, that confirmed the presence of the oldest known zero symbol dating back to the third or fourth century. This manuscript, along with earlier writings by Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, underscores India's primacy in the development of the decimal system.
 

The significance of zero extended beyond mere placeholder value; it facilitated groundbreaking advances in arithmetic and algebra. Indian mathematicians seamlessly incorporated zero into operations, paving the way for solving polynomial equations and manipulating irrational numbers like √2 and √3.

 

An Idea that Echoes Through the Ages

The decimal system's impact transcended geographical boundaries, enriching mathematical discourse worldwide. Arab, European, and Asian civilisations engaged in extensive commercial exchanges, facilitating the dissemination of Indian mathematical concepts. However, it was the Italian mathematician Fibonacci who popularised the decimal system in the West, coining the term "zero" derived from the Arabic "sifr", meaning empty.
 

India's mathematical heritage traces back over 2,500 years, evident in the Vedic period's decimal system and geometric principles encoded in ancient texts. Mathematical prowess flourished alongside religious rituals, with cryptic sutras containing arithmetic rules embedded within chants and prayers.
 

The decimal system's practical applications in land measurement, commerce, and astronomy underscored its indispensability in Indian society. Notably, Indian astronomers leveraged the decimal system to accurately calculate celestial phenomena, aided by the precision afforded by zero.
 

The legacy of Indian mathematics endured through centuries, culminating in remarkable achievements like the development of infinite series for trigonometric quantities by the Kerala school in the fourteenth century. Madhava's groundbreaking work on pi, which predates European discoveries, exemplifies India's mathematical prowess.

Conclusion

India's invention of the decimal system stands as a testament to human ingenuity and intellectual curiosity. From its humble origins in ancient texts to its global dissemination, the decimal system has revolutionised mathematics and benefited humanity immeasurably. As we marvel at the elegance of modern arithmetic, let us acknowledge the debt owed to India—a cradle of mathematical innovation that continues to inspire and enlighten us.

References

  • Openmind BBVA
    https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/science/mathematics/thus-was-born-the-zero-the-number-that-multiplied-the-power-of-mathematics/#:~:text=Around%20the%20year%20500%2C%20Aryabhata,write%20the%20word%20kha%20instead

  • Vedantu
    https://www.vedantu.com/question-answer/the-indian-mathematician-who-gave-the-knowledge-class-7-maths-cbse-60aa57bf0d366a75c16ee12c

  • Nature.com
    https://www.nature.com/articles/459646a

Find Your Favorite Topic

IndiaFirst Life & the logical indian

Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), is one of the country's youngest life insurance companies. The Logical Indian is an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indian Millennials. IndiaFirst Life and The Logical Indian have come together to showcase India’s rich history of innovation in different fields of life which have made a significant mark on humanity and globally. Please note, The information presented here is the result of a collaborative effort between The IndiaFirst Life, Dentsu Creative & The Logical Indian. All research and fact-finding is credited to Dentsu Creative in association with The Logical Indian.

author-by

Thank you for subscribing to Life+ Newsletter!

Keep an eye on your inbox-great things are coming your way