The use of zero is traced to the Indian mathematician Aryabhata who, about 520 A.D., devised a positional decimal number system that contained a word, "kha," for the idea of a placeholder. By 876, based on an existing tablet inscription with that date, the kha had become the symbol "0". Meanwhile, somewhat after Aryabhata, another Indian, Brahmagupta, developed the concept of the zero as an actual independent number, not just a place-holder, and wrote rules for adding and subtracting zero from other numbers. The Indian writings were passed on to al-Khwarizmi (from whose name we derive the term algorithm) and thence to Leonardo Fibonacci and others who continued to develop the concept and the number. Aryabhatta was the first to propose these two statements. 1 (or n) X 0 = 0 1 (or n) / 0 = Infinity Both these brought a consistency to the mathematical calculations, that was not around before. Through this series I have tried to highlight the cultural and religious diversity of India and the rich history that it occupies. However to end the series I wanted to emphasize the scientific accomplishments. From Aryabhatta to Ramanujan to Subramanyan Chandrasekhar to Amartya Sen to our president Abdul Kalam, there have been many great scientists and great thinkers. Today India is developing into a leader in technology and development and this will lead India through this century.
"Lighting the lamps" This is a very ancient tradition in India. For generations lamps are lit in the house. The types of lamps vary from household to household and in the olden days the grander the lamps the grander the status of the house. The flame in the lamp is equated to the lighting of the soul. The lamp that is being lit is called the 'Kuthu Villake' and has five corners, each representing the five elements. This is one of the most common lamps and you will find it in most houses. The lamp to the left is the 'Paavai Villake' or the lady lamp. It is a beautifully carved lamp with a very ornate base. The lamps are lit with oil and a thread called the 'Thiri'. The thiri is soaked in the oil and then lit.
'Kolam' or 'Rangoli' is a decorative design that is put in all Indian houses. You will usually see them before entering any Indian home. Tradiationally the kolams are put not only at the entrances to houses but also on the table underneath your plate while eating, near the idols and on kitchen counters. Kolams are made from rice powder, thus it was believed that ants will come and feed of the rice powder and thus will not eat your food or enter your house. This was the original reason for putting kolams. Over the years the practice has developed into an art form with people using it to exhibit their creative side. Rangoli competitions are a common sight in school exhibitions and it requires a lot of skill to make one.
