Brahmagupta and the concept of Zero

This paper attempts to reconstruct the possible reasoning process that led the great Indian mathematician Brahmagupta in 628 A.D. to the formulation of two controversial rules for arithmetic, involving the number zero; rules which contradict modern arithmetic principles. Is it possible to explain these rules in some logical manner? This paper outlines a possible explanation of the issue based on similar reasoning. One may ask, why is the concept of zero so important? “From counting to calculating, from estimating the odds to knowing exactly . . . all of their parts swing on the smallest of pivots, zero” Kaplan [12]. Today’s technology would simply be impossible, from the smallest electronic device to space technology, engineering, mathematics and physics. If it were possible to erase the existence of zero from the annals of human achievement, we would be thrown back into the ancient times. Humanity owes a great debt of gratitude to the original inventor of zero - Brahmagupta, as well as to the Indian culture.