Final answer:
Mathematical inventions historically did not receive immediate awards or recognition due to their abstract nature and the delayed realization of their practical implications. Intellectual pioneers often faced skepticism for challenging established views, further slowing the acceptance and acknowledgment of their contributions which we now recognize as foundational to modern mathematics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Historically, mathematical inventions often did not bring immediate rewards or awards to their creators due to the abstract nature of the field and the difficulty in appreciating their practical implications. Mathematics is a discipline that builds upon itself, and new discoveries typically don't have the immediate, tangible impact that inventions in other fields might have. For example, in India, mathematical advancements evolved in tandem with their applications in practical realms such as agriculture, religion, and astronomy. Often, these contributions were only recognized significantly later as their true value became evident through subsequent developments.
Moreover, many intellectual pioneers faced skepticism or even contempt for challenging established viewpoints. This sometimes led to reluctance in sharing findings, contributing to the slow spread and recognition of novel ideas. Understandably, mathematicians like those during the Gupta period in India, who advanced decimal systems and concepts of zero, did not receive contemporary awards as we conceive them today but are now celebrated for their contributions to the foundation of modern mathematics.