Indian numerals form the basis of the European number systems which are now widely used. However they were not transmitted directly from India to Europe but rather came first to the Arabic/Islamic people and from them to Europe. The story of this transmission is not, however, a simple one. Actually the arabs popularized these numbers. So, the numbers we all use (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) are known as "arabic" numbers to distinguish them from the "Roman Numerals" (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, etc).





Now an interesting finding. Have you ever thought why ........ 1 means "one", and 2 means "two"?



It's all about angles ! Watch this slide show to know more.