Brahmagupta

Brahmagupta

Brahmagupta was an Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 7th century. He was the head of the astronomical observatory at Ujjain which was the foremost centre of mathematics in India at that time. 

One of his important contribution to mathematics was the introduction of zero to the number system to represent the concept of nothing. His work on mathematics -the Brahma-Sphuta-Siddhanta was written in verse form.

Brahmagupta introduced the concept of negative numbers. He also gave rules regarding operations involving negative numbers and zero. During his time, negative numbers were used in India to represent debts. He called positive numbers fortunes and negative numbers debts.

By Aniket Mishra