Mathi (numerical system)

Mathi might be exactly synonymous with arabic numeralsFact|date=May 2008.

Etymology

In South Indian/Sanskrit Hindi languages, Mathi means mind or knowledge. Mathi is pronounced similarly to Math. Another root word for Maths(Indo-Aryan/Germanic/European), throws up images as Arabic Numericals. Mathi an Indian word means intelligence and in pure translation means 'Budhi' (pronounced as poothee) – Intellect - another root to the word origin-'Buddha'.

It is a purely South Indian/Sanskrit Hindi word that was derived from the word math, implying the forehead (in original derivation of the verbal display – the pointing or scratching of the forehead to count). In South India/Sanskrit Hindi, it is the plural form of Intelligence and also the singular form of Vedic Mathematics(Ancient/Traditional Indian Mathematics), wherein the present day numericals actually originated in an attempt by the Indus Valley Civilization inhabitants to formulate or quantify.

Also Mathi can be a shortened form of the Sanskrit word unlimited or an absolute/unquantifiable quantity.

History

This numerical system was adopted by the Arabs for trading purposes with the Ancient Indians (Indo-Germanic Tribes) and then was carried to Europe and other parts of the world by the nomadic Arabs, hence the coining of the word 'Arabic Numerals'.