- The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595-596).
- In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India.
- The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century.
Explanation
The correct option is 1, 2, and 3, as all statements accurately reflect the historical progression and dissemination of the place-value numeral system originating in India. The Mankani plates from Gujarat provide the earliest epigraphic evidence of this system, marking its formal use in inscriptions around AD 595-596. By the ninth century, this system had become widely adopted across India, influencing inscriptions and mathematical practices. Furthermore, its presence in Sanskrit inscriptions in Southeast Asia as early as the seventh century illustrates the cultural and scientific exchange facilitated by Indian traders, thereby highlighting the global impact of India's mathematical innovations. This understanding is essential for grasping the historical context and significance of India's contributions to numeral systems, which aligns with the emphasis on cultural heritage in the UPSC syllabus.
