ZERO : 1,800 YEARS AGO

 In this close-up image you can see the use of a dot as a placeholder in the bottom line.
This dot evolved into the use of zero as a number in its own right.
Photograph: Courtesy of Bodleian Libraries/ University of Oxford

Bakhshali manuscript, a mathematical text discovered in 1881 from Pakistan's KPK province dates back to  Kushan dynasty which revealed a discovery of zero, was considered as a new feather in the rich history of Gandhara region.

''The recent discovery about first use of zero unearthed through Bakhshali manuscript in Oxford University at England highlights rich scientific approach of the people of KPK province in the ancient times,'' observed the research officer at the Peshawar Museum.

The translation of the text, which is written in a form of  Sanskrit, suggests it was a form of  training manual for merchants trading across the Silk Road and it includes practical arithmetic exercises and Algebra.

''There's a lot of if  someone buys this and sells this how much have they got left.'' said Marcus Du Sautoy, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University.

''This becomes the birth of the concept of zero in its own right and this is a total revolution that happens out of India,'' Du Sautoy added.

This surprising research results regarding discovery of zero testify to the subcontinent's rich and longstanding scientific tradition. Richard Ovenden, head of the Bodleian Library of Oxford University told the The Guardian newspaper  .