Is Zero Mathematics or Religion?

In a half-hour spot for BBC radio, journalist Alex Bellos explores the Indian origins of the number system we use today.

Bellos visits the site of the earliest known mathematical zero (be forewarned, "viewings [are] by appointment only"), chats with eminent Indian mathematician S. G. Dani, and weighs in on the controversy surrounding Vedic Mathematics.

The journalist also poses a question to the Shankaracharya of Puri, one of the four holiest men in traditional Hinduism: "Would you recommend the study of mathematics as the way to reach Nirvana?"

Listen to the story to hear the answer!