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. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The decimal place-value notation is India's major contribution to mathematics, and its spread can be dated from inscriptions.
• Statement 1: the Mankani (Sankheda) copper plates of Gujarat, dated Chhedi/Kalachuri year 346 (AD 595–96), carry the earliest surviving epigraphic use of place-value numerals.
• Statement 2: by the ninth century, place-value numerals had become the normal way of writing dates and numbers in inscriptions across India.
• Statement 3: Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia (e.g. Cambodia, dated Saka 605 = AD 683) already use the system in the seventh century, showing its early export.
• All three statements are correct, so the answer is 1, 2 and 3.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 3 is also correct: seventh-century South-east Asian inscriptions use place-value.
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is also correct: place-value was general in Indian inscriptions by the ninth century.
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 1 is also correct: the Mankani plates of AD 595-96 are the earliest epigraphic instance.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.