Who discovered zero (0)?

The concept of zero, as a numerical digit and a fundamental component of our number system, is credited to ancient Indian mathematicians. The earliest instances of zero being used as a digit can be traced back to Indian inscriptions from the 6th century AD. Among the influential mathematicians of that era, Brahmagupta stands out for his pioneering work in formalizing the rules for arithmetic operations involving zero.

Brahmagupta's mathematical treatise, the "Brahmasphutasiddhanta," is a key source that delves into the principles of zero and its role in mathematical calculations. Notably, he addressed essential rules, such as multiplication by zero resulting in zero and division by zero being undefined. These foundational concepts marked a significant step in the evolution of zero as a mathematical concept, shaping the way it is understood and utilized in calculations.

While various cultures independently developed the concept of zero, the contributions of Indian mathematicians, particularly Brahmagupta, played a crucial role in its formalization. The spread of these mathematical ideas occurred through cultural and trade exchanges, ultimately influencing the development of mathematics in other parts of the world.

Today, zero is a fundamental part of the number system, serving as a placeholder and a numeric value that has broad applications in mathematics, science, and technology. The historical contributions of ancient Indian mathematicians, including Brahmagupta, laid the groundwork for the understanding and integration of zero into our mathematical framework.