1995 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies

Question 118: History and Culture

Zero was invented by

aAryabhata
bVarahamihira
cBhaskara I
dan unknown Indian

AnswerThe answer is (d).

No single inventor of zero is known. The idea of zero as a number, with a symbol and rules of calculation, developed in India and was in use by the time of the Bakhshali manuscript and Brahmagupta, who set out rules for it. So 'an unknown Indian' is the usual answer. Remember: zero came from India, but its inventor is not named.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Aryabhata used a place-value system, but is not credited with inventing zero.
  • (b) Varahamihira wrote on astronomy; he is not credited with zero.
  • (c) Bhaskara I wrote on Aryabhata's work; he is not credited with inventing zero.
  • (d) Right: an unknown Indian.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.