In a compelling discussion with NDTV, Professor Manjul Bhargava, a Fields Medal-winning mathematician and Princeton University professor, called for a global rebranding of the numerals 0 to 9 as "Hindu numerals" to reflect their true Indian origins. Speaking on the sidelines of the "Mathematical Sciences, South Asia’s Contributions" exhibition in New Delhi on September 6, 2025, Bhargava emphasized that these numerals, often mislabeled as Arabic, were in widespread use in India by the 4th century CE, as evidenced by the Bakshali manuscripts and inscriptions in temples like Chaturbhuj in Gwalior and Parshvanath in Khajuraho.

Bhargava clarified that "Hindu" refers to the geographical region of "Hind" or "Sindhu" (India/Bharat), not a religious context. He noted that Arab scholars, including Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Kindi, referred to these digits as "Hindsa," acknowledging their Indian roots when transmitting them to Europe in the 8th century. Colonial narratives, he argued, obscured this history, leading even Indians to adopt the term "Arabic numerals."

Highlighting India’s mathematical legacy, Bhargava pointed to pioneers like Brahmagupta and Bhaskara, who laid the foundations of algebra, and Madhava, who provided the first exact formula for Pi in the 15th century. He also advocated renaming the Pythagorean theorem the "Boudhayan-Pythagorean theorem," recognizing Boudhayan’s earlier contributions. The New Delhi exhibition showcased ancient manuscripts and inscriptions tracing India’s mathematical innovations, from zero to algebra.

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Bhargava’s call is not merely about renaming but reclaiming a legacy that has shaped global science. He urged India to decolonize historical narratives and celebrate its mathematical heritage, inspiring future generations worldwide.

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