The traditionalists demanded Devanagari numerals and categorically rejected “Arabic” or “International” numerals. When the issue was put to vote, the initial show of hands exposed a sharp polarisation — 63 members favoured international numerals and 54 supported Devanagari numerals. At Sitaramayya’s and Nehru’s urging, the House concluded that Devanagari numerals could not be imposed on the republic by such a slender margin. He emphasised that science, commerce and international exchange depended on international numerals. International numerals were already the backbone of modern administration — banking, education, telegraphy, engineering and trade.

Source: The Hindu January 22, 2026 07:32 UTC