Vedic Science International Multidisciplinary Peer-reviewed Journal 

Article  Information

Journal: Vedic Science
Volume: 2026 | Issue: 1 | Year: 2026
Pages: 1–8
DOI:  10.66718/0975-0312.vol.2026.issue1.1    
Received: 12 Jan. 2026
Accepted: 16 Feb, 2025
Published: 20 April, 2025

Decolonizing Mathematics: Unveiling India's Foundational Contributions to Global Mathematical Heritage

Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya, Former UGC Chair Professor, M.D.University, Rohtak, Haryana

Abstract

The history of mathematics is often presented through a Eurocentric lens, overlooking the significant contributions of Indian intellectual traditions. Indian mathematics, deeply rooted in practical applications like astronomy and commerce, developed as a computational and algorithmic discipline. Foundational ideas, such as the decimal place-value system with zero and trigonometric functions, originated in India and were transmitted to the Islamic world and Europe, often without proper acknowledgment.

Indian mathematics, shaped by its philosophical traditions, prioritized computation, approximation, and practical reliability over axiomatic certainty. This approach, often misunderstood by Western historians, allowed for significant advancements in geometry, calculus, and number theory. Recognizing the Indian origins of mathematical concepts, challenges colonial narratives and highlights the importance of alternative epistemologies in shaping global knowledge.

Acknowledging the legacy of Indian mathematics is crucial for a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the subject.

Keywords

Algorithmic methods, decimal place-value system, zero, trigonometric functions, astronomy, commerce, Śulba Sūtras, Jyotiṣa, Gaṇita, calculus, infinite series, number theory,

References

Arya, Ravi Prakash (2022). Vedic Origin of Zero, Amazon Books, USA in collaboration with Indian Foundation for Vedic Scence.

Halsted, George Bruce (1912). On the Foundation and Technic of Arithmetic. Chicago: The Open Court Publishing Company.

Ifrah, Georges (2000). The Universal History of Numbers. John Wiley and Sons.

Sachau, E.C. 1964: Alberuni's India. Vol. 1. S. Chand & Company, Delhi.

How to cite this article

Arya, R.P.  (2026). Decolonizing Mathematics: Unveiling India's Foundational Contributions to Global Mathematical Heritage. Vedic Science, 2026 (1), 1–8. https://www.ved.org/archives/VEDSC-202601-2026-1