What is 12 multiplied by 14? How about the cube of 9? Without a calculator, how quickly can you solve these problems? In a spontaneous street interview in Mumbai, many respondents answered these questions correctly in under three seconds.
This exceptional math ability has even been praised by physicist Stephen Hawking, who remarked on India’s mathematical prowess. But why are Indians so skilled in math?
The deep connection between mathematics and religion in India is a major factor. Rooted in the rituals of Brahmanism, mathematics played a vital role in architecture and astronomy. The earliest recorded evidence of Indian mathematics dates back to the 10th century BCE, coinciding with the Zhou Dynasty in China. Texts from the Vedas, sacred to Brahmanism, include problems involving geometry and algebra. These ancient works explored concepts like the Pythagorean theorem, the properties of rectangles, and the principles of similar and congruent triangles—centuries before these theorems were formally proven in ancient Greece.
One of India’s most celebrated contributions to mathematics is the discovery and use of zero, which continues to be a point of pride. While zero might seem insignificant, it revolutionized calculations by serving as both a placeholder and a number. This discovery was influenced by the Buddhist philosophy of "absolute void." Additionally, many are unaware that what is now known as Arabic numerals were actually invented in India. These numerals were later adopted and adapted by Arabs, spreading across the world.
The mathematical tradition persisted through history, producing figures like Srinivasa Ramanujan, a modern mathematical genius. Ramanujan independently formulated over 3,900 mathematical theorems and equations, often without providing proofs, relying instead on what he described as divine intuition. One of his equations dramatically increased the precision of pi in decimal form, solidifying his status as a mathematical prodigy. Upon his untimely death at age 33, British mathematician G.H. Hardy famously lamented, "Losing Ramanujan is the most unbearable pain of life." His legacy has inspired many, including Silicon Valley leaders who, after watching the film The Man Who Knew Infinity, established a fund in his memory.
India's passion for mathematics continues unabated. During the Republic Day Parade in January, a float dedicated to solving math problems showcased the nation's dedication to the subject. This enthusiasm extends to Indian schools abroad, such as the Global Indian International School in Tokyo, where students follow an intensive curriculum. By age 7, Indian children are taught multiplication, and by age 8, they can handle three-digit addition problems. Unlike the simpler 9×9 multiplication tables common in other countries, Indian students memorize tables up to 19×19.
Indian students are also introduced to geometry at an earlier stage than many of their peers worldwide. By lower elementary grades, they are already learning about the properties of shapes and angles. Teachers emphasize practical applications to keep learning engaging. For example, first graders might measure their head circumference using a sheet of paper, collecting and analyzing data. By fourth grade, they learn to create line graphs, pie charts, and bar graphs, fostering critical thinking through hands-on experience.
This rigorous education reflects a societal emphasis on math as a pathway out of poverty. India’s longstanding caste system, which often limits opportunities for those from lower castes, makes education—particularly in science, technology, engineering, and math—a means of upward mobility. Success in math can lead to lucrative careers in IT and engineering, enabling individuals to escape systemic inequality. In the United States, for example, one in four Silicon Valley engineers is Indian, most of whom are first-generation immigrants with strong mathematical foundations.
At the pinnacle of Indian higher education stands the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), renowned for producing global tech leaders like Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Cisco CTO Padmasree Warrior. Admission to IIT is famously challenging, with less than 1% of applicants gaining entry. Each year, over a million students compete in a grueling entrance exam that tests mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Scoring well determines not only admission but also the choice of specialty, such as the prestigious computer science program. Graduates of IIT enjoy unparalleled job prospects, with starting salaries up to 20 times higher than those of average university graduates.
For many families, gaining admission to IIT is a life-changing event. Celebrations often include lavish feasts, as parents recognize that their child’s success marks a turning point for the entire family. In rural villages, such achievements earn widespread admiration, as an IIT education is seen as a ticket to a better future.
Despite the transformative power of mathematics for individual families, it does little to address the broader social challenges facing India. For many children, mastering complex calculations represents not only a path to personal success but also a fight against the entrenched inequities of their society.
