The conception of negative numbers: A study of Kṛṣṇa Daivajña’s Bījapallava

The conceptualisation of negative numbers represents a fascinating aspect of mathematical development, characterised by its evolution over time and its multifaceted applications across various disciplines. This paper embarks on a scholarly exploration of this intriguing subject, focusing on a salient segment from Kṛṣṇa Daivajña’s Bījapallava, a detailed commentary of Bhāskarācārya’s Bījagaṇita. It situates the discussion within its historical and scholarly context by examining the complexities inherent in understanding ‘negative’ quantities. While briefly referencing the evolution of negative numbers by notable mathematicians such as Brahmagupta and Bhāskara, the primary focus remains on dissecting a section of the “dhanarṇaṣaḍvidha” excerpt from Bījapallava, thereby shedding light on significant aspects of the discussion on negative numbers.