Medhatithi, a scholar from the 9th or 10th century CE, was among the first to systematically propound the concept of counting numbers in multiples of 10. His work reflects the Indian tradition of dealing with large numbers, which predated similar advancements in other parts of the world.
- Multiples of 10 and Large Numbers
Medhatithi described numbers in a structured way using powers of 10.
Ancient Indian texts already referenced high numerals, but Medhatithi systematized their notation.
- Influence of Earlier Indian Traditions
Ancient texts like the Yajurveda and Buddhist Lalitavistara Sutra mention large numbers extending to 10^53.
Medhatithi built on this tradition, making such notations more structured and systematic.
- Impact on the Decimal System
His emphasis on powers of ten reinforced India’s contribution to the place-value decimal system, which influenced global mathematics.
Medhatithi’s approach to large numbers was later used in mathematical and astronomical calculations by scholars like Bhaskara II and Madhava of Sangamagrama.
His work aligns with India’s long tradition of advanced numerical concepts, which later influenced Arabic and European mathematics.
