The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The development of the decimal system and the concept of zero represents one of the most significant contributions of ancient Indian mathematics to the world. This mathematical innovation occurred during the classical period of Indian history.
Statement 1 is Correct: Mathematicians in India invented a special symbol for zero. The concept of 'Shunya' (void or empty) was given a mathematical symbol, which allowed for the development of the decimal place-value system. This is often attributed to scholars during the Gupta period, such as Aryabhata and later Brahmagupta.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Arabs did not reject this system; rather, they adopted it enthusiastically. Arab scholars translated Indian mathematical texts and adopted the numerals, referring to them as hindsa (meaning 'from India'). It was through the Arabs that this system eventually reached Europe, where it replaced Roman numerals.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Roman numeral system (I, V, X, L, C, D, M) does not contain a symbol for zero. The absence of zero and the lack of a place-value system made complex arithmetic calculations cumbersome in the Roman system compared to the decimal system.
Key Takeaway: The concept of zero and the decimal system originated in India, were adopted and transmitted by the Arabs to the Western world, and are distinct from the Roman numeral system which lacks a zero.