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{{Short description|none}} <!-- This short description is INTENTIONALLY "none" - please see WP:SDNONE before you consider changing it! --> | |||
{{Multiple issues| | {{Multiple issues| | ||
{{more footnotes|date=August 2015}} | {{more footnotes needed|date=August 2015}} | ||
{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}} | {{more citations needed|date=August 2015}} | ||
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Before the [[Metrication in India|introduction of the | Before the [[Metrication in India|introduction of the metric system]], one may divide the history of Indian systems of measurement into three main periods: the pre-[[Akbar]] period, the period of the Akbar system, and the British colonial period. | ||
During pre | During the Indian pre ancient period, weights and measure systems varied from region to region, commodity to commodity, and rural to urban areas. The weights were based on the weight of various seeds (in particular the [[wheat berry]] and [[Ratti (unit)|Ratti]]) and lengths were based on the length of arms and width of fingers. During his reign, the Mughal emperor Akbar realized a need for a uniform system, and used the weight of the barley corn as a standard. This did not replace the existing system; rather, it simply added another system of measurement. | ||
[[Company | When the British first began [[East India Company|trading in India]], they accepted [[Barley|barley corn]] as a unit for weighing gold. Eventually, the British introduced [[Troy weight|their own system]] for weighing gold. In 1956, the government of independent India passed the Standards of Weights Act, which would come into effect in 1958. The metric system was made mandatory for weights in October 1960, and for measures in April 1962. | ||
== | == Conversion == | ||
In 1956, for | In 1956, for metrication, the Indian government defined the Standards of Measurements Act (No. 89 of 1956, amended 1960, 1964) as follows: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Indian System !! | ! Indian System !! [[Metric system|Metric System]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 1 [[Tola (unit)|Tola]]|| 11.6638038 g | |||
| 1 [[ | |||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 30: | Line 27: | ||
! Indian System !! Metric System | ! Indian System !! Metric System | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 1 [[Tola (unit)|Tola]]|| 11.664 g | |||
| 1 [[ | |||
|} | |} | ||
== | ==Ancient system== | ||
These are the weights and measures popular in North India before the adoption of the metric system. There were different systems in Bengal, the Presidency of Madras, and Bombay. The following nomenclature was prevalent in North India until the metric system was established: | |||
* 4 Chāwal (grain of rice) = 1 Dhan (weight of one wheat berry) | |||
* 4 Dhan = 1 Ratti (seed of the '[[Abrus precatorius]]' plant, called 'Surkh' by [[Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak|Abul Fazl]] in [[Ain-i-Akbari]].). | |||
* 8 Ratti = 1 Masha | |||
* 3 Masha (24 Ratti/96 Dhan) = 1 Tak | |||
* 4 Tak (12 Masha/96 Ratti) = 1 Bhari | |||
=== Conversion === | |||
* 1 Bhari = 11.66375 gram | |||
* 3.75 [[Troy ounce]] = 10 Bhari | |||
* Weight of 64 Dhan (Wheat berries) = Weight of 45 Jau (Barley corns) | |||
* Weight of 1 Barley corn = 64.79891 milligrams | |||
=== Commodity weight system === | |||
In Hindi 5 Seer = Panch (5) Seer, or Paseri for short | * 1 Bhari = 4 Siki | ||
* 1 Kancha = 5 Siki | |||
1 Daseri = 2 Pasri = 10 Seer | * 1 Chhataank = 4 Kancha | ||
* 1 Chhataank = 5 Bhari | |||
In Hindi 10 Seer = Das (10) Seer, or Daseri for short | * 1 Adh-pav = 2 Chhatank = 1/8 Seer | ||
* 1 Pav = 2 Adh-pav = ¼ Seer (Pav means ¼) | |||
1 Maund (''maan'' or ''man[मण]'') = 4 Daseri = 8 Pasri = 40 Seer | * The unit pav is still used to this date however, it has been modified to "a fourth of a kilogram". | ||
* 1 Adher = 2 Pav = ½ Seer | |||
* In Hindi ½ Seer = Adha (½) Seer, or Adher | |||
* 1 Ser = 2 Adher = 4 Pav = 16 Chattank = 80 Tola = 933.1 grams | |||
* 1 Savaser = 1 Ser + 1 Pav (1¼ Seer) | |||
* 1 Savaser weighed 100 Imperial rupees | |||
* In Hindi 1¼ Seer = Sava (1¼) Seer, or Savaser | |||
* 1 Dhaser = 2 Savaser = 2½ Seer | |||
* In Hindi 2½ Seer = Dhai (2½) Seer, or Dhaser | |||
* 1 Paseri = 2 Adisari = 5 Seer | |||
* In Hindi 5 Seer = Panch (5) Seer, or Paseri for short | |||
* 1 Daseri = 2 Pasri = 10 Seer | |||
* In Hindi 10 Seer = Das (10) Seer, or Daseri for short | |||
* 1 Maund (''maan'' or ''man[मण]'') = 4 Daseri = 8 Pasri = 40 Seer | |||
=== Rice and grains volume measures === | |||
Grains were not weighed. Special hour-glass shaped measure were used to determine the volume. | Grains were not weighed. Special hour-glass shaped measure were used to determine the volume. | ||
Smallest unit = 1 Nilve | Smallest unit = 1 Nilve | ||
2 Nilve = 1 Kolve | * 2 Nilve = 1 Kolve | ||
* 2 Kolve = 1 Chipte (about quarter litre) | |||
2 Kolve = 1 Chipte (about quarter litre) | * 2 Chipte = 1 Mapte (about half litre) | ||
* 2 Mapte = 1 Ser (about one litre) | |||
2 Chipte = 1 Mapte (about half litre) | |||
2 Mapte = 1 Ser (about one litre) | |||
=== Liquid volume measures === | |||
These were hour glass shaped measure used for Milk, Ghee, Oils. The bottom was round like an inverted dome, the top was like flared rim. This shape helped in pouring the liquids. | These were hour glass shaped measure used for Milk, Ghee, Oils. The bottom was round like an inverted dome, the top was like flared rim. This shape helped in pouring the liquids. | ||
4 Chhataank = 1 Pav | * 4 Chhataank = 1 Pav | ||
* 4 Pav = 1 Seer | |||
4 Pav = 1 Seer | * 40 Seer = 1 Maund | ||
40 Seer = 1 Maund | |||
=== Length measure === | |||
Measure of length is Gaz. To interpret Gaz, depends on what one is measuring and where they are. Bengal: 36", Bombay: 27", Madras: 33", Government Average: 33". The hand measurements were used. | Measure of length is Gaz. To interpret Gaz, depends on what one is measuring and where they are. Bengal: 36", Bombay: 27", Madras: 33", Government Average: 33". The hand measurements were used. | ||
9 Kanals 12 Marlas = 1 Acre{{citation needed|reason=At the time, acre was used in Europe only|date=September 2019}} | * Anguli (width of 3 fingers) = 1 Girah | ||
* 8 Girah = 1 Hath (elbow to the end of the middle finger, approximately 18" ) | |||
* 5 5/6 Hath = One Kathi | |||
* 20 Kathi = One Pand | |||
* 1 Pand= 1 Beesa | |||
* 20 Pand = One Begah | |||
* 2 Hath = 1 Gaz | |||
* 3 Gaz = Two Karam | |||
* 3 Karams = 1 Kan | |||
* 3 Square Kans = 1 Marla | |||
* 20 Marlas = 1 Kanal | |||
* 8 Kanals = 1 Ghamaon | |||
* 9 Kanals 12 Marlas = 1 Acre{{citation needed|reason=At the time, acre was used in Europe only|date=September 2019}} | |||
* 4 Kanals = 1 Begah | |||
==Medieval system== | |||
===Akbar weights and measures=== | |||
==Akbar weights and measures== | |||
Akbar standardised weights and measurements using a [[barley]] corn (''Jau''). For weights, he used the weight of a ''Jau'', while the width of a ''Jau'' set the standard for length. | Akbar standardised weights and measurements using a [[barley]] corn (''Jau''). For weights, he used the weight of a ''Jau'', while the width of a ''Jau'' set the standard for length. | ||
| Line 166: | Line 113: | ||
At the time of [[Shah Jahan]] there existed three different Gaz:<ref>Levon Khachikian: "The Ledger of the Merchant Hovhannes Joughayetsi". ''Journal of the Asiatic Society'', Vol 8, No. 3, 1966, p. 182</ref> | At the time of [[Shah Jahan]] there existed three different Gaz:<ref>Levon Khachikian: "The Ledger of the Merchant Hovhannes Joughayetsi". ''Journal of the Asiatic Society'', Vol 8, No. 3, 1966, p. 182</ref> | ||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |||
! Indian System !! Metric System | |||
|- | |||
| ''Shahi gaz''|| 101.6 cm | |||
|- | |||
|Shahijahani/''Lashkari'' | |||
|95.85 cm | |||
|- | |||
|Aleppo ''gaz'' | |||
|67.73 cm | |||
|} | |||
* ''Shahi gaz'' = 101.6 cm | |||
* ''Shahijahani'' or ''Lashkari'' = 95.85 cm | |||
* Aleppo ''gaz'' = 67.73 cm | |||
* Commodity weight: Ser = 637.74 grams | |||
* Commodity Spices: The ''Dam'' was a copper coin used as a weight as well as currency. 1 Dam = 20 grams | |||
* Gold and Expensive Spices: Misqal = 6.22 grams | |||
== Weights before 1833 == | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |||
! Indian System | |||
!British/ troy system | |||
!imperial system!! Metric System | |||
|- | |||
| 1 ''rattī'' | |||
|0.003(6) t oz | |||
|0.004(0) oz|| 0.113(4)gram | |||
|- | |||
|1 māshā | |||
|0.029(2) t oz | |||
|0.032(0) oz | |||
|0.907(2) gram | |||
|- | |||
|1 tolā | |||
|0.3500(0) t oz | |||
|0.3840(0) oz | |||
|10.88(6) gram | |||
|- | |||
| 1 Ser (80 [[Tola (unit)|Tola]][[Talysh language|s]]) | |||
|28.000(0) t oz | |||
|1.920(0) lb|| 870.89(8) gram<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=What is a seer? |url=https://www.sizes.com/units/seer.htm |access-date=2019-06-20 |website=www.sizes.com}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| 1 Maund (40 Sers) | |||
|93 t lbs 4.00(1) t oz | |||
|5.4857(12) St|| 34 kilograms 835.(9)grams | |||
|} | |||
40 sers = 1 maund (= 34.835926 | * 8 rattīs = 1 māshā (= 0.907(2) gram) | ||
* 12 māshās = 1 [[Tola (unit)|tolā]] (= 10.886227 gram) | |||
* 80 [[Tola (unit)|tola]][[Talysh language|s]] = 1 [[Ser (unit)|ser]] (= 870.89816 gram) | |||
* 40 [[Ser (unit)|sers]] = 1 [[maund (unit)|maund]] (= 34 kg 8 hg 3 dag 5g 9 dg 2.6 cg /34.835926 kilograms) | |||
* 1 rattī = 1.75 grains (= 0.11339825 gram/113 milligrams 398 1/4 micrograms 4 attograms ) (1 grain = 0.064799 gram) | |||
From 1833 the rupee and tolā weight was fixed at 180 grains, i.e. 11.66382 grams. Hence the weight of 1 maund increased to 37.324224 kilogram.<ref>Hobson-Jobson: A Glossary of Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases, and Kindred Terms, Etymological, Historical, Geographical and Discursive by Col. Henry Yule and A.C. Burnell, Originally published 1903, Reprint, 1968</ref> Traditionally one maund represented the weight unit for goods which could be carried over some distance by porters or pack animals. | |||
From 1833 the rupee and tolā weight was fixed at 180 grains, i.e. 11.66382 grams. Hence the weight of 1 maund increased to 37.324224 kilogram.<ref>Hobson-Jobson: A Glossary of Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases, and Kindred Terms, Etymological, Historical, Geographical and Discursive by Col. Henry Yule and A.C. Burnell, Originally published 1903, Reprint, 1968</ref> | |||
Traditionally one maund represented the weight unit for goods which could be carried over some distance by porters or pack animals. | |||
==British system== | ==British system== | ||
{{main|Imperial units}} | {{main|Imperial units}} | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
1 coss= 2000 yards<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QtMzAQAAMAAJ|title=Wood's Royal Southern Kalendar, Tasmanian Register and General Australasian & East Indian Official Directory ...|last=Wood|first=James|date=1849-01-01|publisher=H. Dowling, Jun.|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x_8nAAAAYAAJ|title=East-India Register and Directory|date=1819-01-01|publisher=W.H. Allen|language=en}}</ref> | 1 coss= 2000 yards<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QtMzAQAAMAAJ|title=Wood's Royal Southern Kalendar, Tasmanian Register and General Australasian & East Indian Official Directory ...|last=Wood|first=James|date=1849-01-01|publisher=H. Dowling, Jun.|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x_8nAAAAYAAJ|title=East-India Register and Directory|date=1819-01-01|publisher=W.H. Allen|language=en}}</ref> | ||
=== Notes === | |||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
=== Sources === | |||
* [[James Prinsep|Prinsep, James]] (editor [[Edward Thomas (antiquarian)|Edward Thomas]]): ''Essays on Indian Antqities, Historic, Numismatic, and Palaeographic, of the late James Prinsep, F.R.S., to which are added his Useful Tables illustrative of Indian History, Chronology, Modern Coinages, Weights, Measures etc.'' Two Volumes, Reprint, Indological Book House, Delhi and Varanasi, 1971. Originally published in London, 1858. | * [[James Prinsep|Prinsep, James]] (editor [[Edward Thomas (antiquarian)|Edward Thomas]]): ''Essays on Indian Antqities, Historic, Numismatic, and Palaeographic, of the late James Prinsep, F.R.S., to which are added his Useful Tables illustrative of Indian History, Chronology, Modern Coinages, Weights, Measures etc.'' Two Volumes, Reprint, Indological Book House, Delhi and Varanasi, 1971. Originally published in London, 1858. | ||
{{commons category|Measurement in India}} | {{commons category|Measurement in India}} | ||
{{Systems of measurement}} | {{Systems of measurement}} | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Indian Weights | {{DEFAULTSORT:Indian Weights and Measures}} | ||
[[Category:Customary units in India]] | |||
[[Category:Economy of India]] | [[Category:Economy of India]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:04, 1 September 2025
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Before the introduction of the metric system, one may divide the history of Indian systems of measurement into three main periods: the pre-Akbar period, the period of the Akbar system, and the British colonial period.
During the Indian pre ancient period, weights and measure systems varied from region to region, commodity to commodity, and rural to urban areas. The weights were based on the weight of various seeds (in particular the wheat berry and Ratti) and lengths were based on the length of arms and width of fingers. During his reign, the Mughal emperor Akbar realized a need for a uniform system, and used the weight of the barley corn as a standard. This did not replace the existing system; rather, it simply added another system of measurement.
When the British first began trading in India, they accepted barley corn as a unit for weighing gold. Eventually, the British introduced their own system for weighing gold. In 1956, the government of independent India passed the Standards of Weights Act, which would come into effect in 1958. The metric system was made mandatory for weights in October 1960, and for measures in April 1962.
Conversion[edit | edit source]
In 1956, for metrication, the Indian government defined the Standards of Measurements Act (No. 89 of 1956, amended 1960, 1964) as follows:
| Indian System | Metric System |
|---|---|
| 1 Tola | 11.6638038 g |
The current definitions as per the UN are:
| Indian System | Metric System |
|---|---|
| 1 Tola | 11.664 g |
Ancient system[edit | edit source]
These are the weights and measures popular in North India before the adoption of the metric system. There were different systems in Bengal, the Presidency of Madras, and Bombay. The following nomenclature was prevalent in North India until the metric system was established:
- 4 Chāwal (grain of rice) = 1 Dhan (weight of one wheat berry)
- 4 Dhan = 1 Ratti (seed of the 'Abrus precatorius' plant, called 'Surkh' by Abul Fazl in Ain-i-Akbari.).
- 8 Ratti = 1 Masha
- 3 Masha (24 Ratti/96 Dhan) = 1 Tak
- 4 Tak (12 Masha/96 Ratti) = 1 Bhari
Conversion[edit | edit source]
- 1 Bhari = 11.66375 gram
- 3.75 Troy ounce = 10 Bhari
- Weight of 64 Dhan (Wheat berries) = Weight of 45 Jau (Barley corns)
- Weight of 1 Barley corn = 64.79891 milligrams
Commodity weight system[edit | edit source]
- 1 Bhari = 4 Siki
- 1 Kancha = 5 Siki
- 1 Chhataank = 4 Kancha
- 1 Chhataank = 5 Bhari
- 1 Adh-pav = 2 Chhatank = 1/8 Seer
- 1 Pav = 2 Adh-pav = ¼ Seer (Pav means ¼)
- The unit pav is still used to this date however, it has been modified to "a fourth of a kilogram".
- 1 Adher = 2 Pav = ½ Seer
- In Hindi ½ Seer = Adha (½) Seer, or Adher
- 1 Ser = 2 Adher = 4 Pav = 16 Chattank = 80 Tola = 933.1 grams
- 1 Savaser = 1 Ser + 1 Pav (1¼ Seer)
- 1 Savaser weighed 100 Imperial rupees
- In Hindi 1¼ Seer = Sava (1¼) Seer, or Savaser
- 1 Dhaser = 2 Savaser = 2½ Seer
- In Hindi 2½ Seer = Dhai (2½) Seer, or Dhaser
- 1 Paseri = 2 Adisari = 5 Seer
- In Hindi 5 Seer = Panch (5) Seer, or Paseri for short
- 1 Daseri = 2 Pasri = 10 Seer
- In Hindi 10 Seer = Das (10) Seer, or Daseri for short
- 1 Maund (maan or man[मण]) = 4 Daseri = 8 Pasri = 40 Seer
Rice and grains volume measures[edit | edit source]
Grains were not weighed. Special hour-glass shaped measure were used to determine the volume.
Smallest unit = 1 Nilve
- 2 Nilve = 1 Kolve
- 2 Kolve = 1 Chipte (about quarter litre)
- 2 Chipte = 1 Mapte (about half litre)
- 2 Mapte = 1 Ser (about one litre)
Liquid volume measures[edit | edit source]
These were hour glass shaped measure used for Milk, Ghee, Oils. The bottom was round like an inverted dome, the top was like flared rim. This shape helped in pouring the liquids.
- 4 Chhataank = 1 Pav
- 4 Pav = 1 Seer
- 40 Seer = 1 Maund
Length measure[edit | edit source]
Measure of length is Gaz. To interpret Gaz, depends on what one is measuring and where they are. Bengal: 36", Bombay: 27", Madras: 33", Government Average: 33". The hand measurements were used.
- Anguli (width of 3 fingers) = 1 Girah
- 8 Girah = 1 Hath (elbow to the end of the middle finger, approximately 18" )
- 5 5/6 Hath = One Kathi
- 20 Kathi = One Pand
- 1 Pand= 1 Beesa
- 20 Pand = One Begah
- 2 Hath = 1 Gaz
- 3 Gaz = Two Karam
- 3 Karams = 1 Kan
- 3 Square Kans = 1 Marla
- 20 Marlas = 1 Kanal
- 8 Kanals = 1 Ghamaon
- 9 Kanals 12 Marlas = 1 Acre[citation needed]
- 4 Kanals = 1 Begah
Medieval system[edit | edit source]
Akbar weights and measures[edit | edit source]
Akbar standardised weights and measurements using a barley corn (Jau). For weights, he used the weight of a Jau, while the width of a Jau set the standard for length.
1. Length: Ilahi Gaz (33 to 34 inches or 840 to 860 millimetres); 1 Gaz = 16 Grehs; 1 Greh = 2 pais
At the time of Shah Jahan there existed three different Gaz:[1]
| Indian System | Metric System |
|---|---|
| Shahi gaz | 101.6 cm |
| Shahijahani/Lashkari | 95.85 cm |
| Aleppo gaz | 67.73 cm |
- Shahi gaz = 101.6 cm
- Shahijahani or Lashkari = 95.85 cm
- Aleppo gaz = 67.73 cm
- Commodity weight: Ser = 637.74 grams
- Commodity Spices: The Dam was a copper coin used as a weight as well as currency. 1 Dam = 20 grams
- Gold and Expensive Spices: Misqal = 6.22 grams
Weights before 1833[edit | edit source]
| Indian System | British/ troy system | imperial system | Metric System |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 rattī | 0.003(6) t oz | 0.004(0) oz | 0.113(4)gram |
| 1 māshā | 0.029(2) t oz | 0.032(0) oz | 0.907(2) gram |
| 1 tolā | 0.3500(0) t oz | 0.3840(0) oz | 10.88(6) gram |
| 1 Ser (80 Tolas) | 28.000(0) t oz | 1.920(0) lb | 870.89(8) gram[2] |
| 1 Maund (40 Sers) | 93 t lbs 4.00(1) t oz | 5.4857(12) St | 34 kilograms 835.(9)grams |
- 8 rattīs = 1 māshā (= 0.907(2) gram)
- 12 māshās = 1 tolā (= 10.886227 gram)
- 80 tolas = 1 ser (= 870.89816 gram)
- 40 sers = 1 maund (= 34 kg 8 hg 3 dag 5g 9 dg 2.6 cg /34.835926 kilograms)
- 1 rattī = 1.75 grains (= 0.11339825 gram/113 milligrams 398 1/4 micrograms 4 attograms ) (1 grain = 0.064799 gram)
From 1833 the rupee and tolā weight was fixed at 180 grains, i.e. 11.66382 grams. Hence the weight of 1 maund increased to 37.324224 kilogram.[3] Traditionally one maund represented the weight unit for goods which could be carried over some distance by porters or pack animals.
British system[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Levon Khachikian: "The Ledger of the Merchant Hovhannes Joughayetsi". Journal of the Asiatic Society, Vol 8, No. 3, 1966, p. 182
- ↑ "What is a seer?". www.sizes.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
- ↑ Hobson-Jobson: A Glossary of Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases, and Kindred Terms, Etymological, Historical, Geographical and Discursive by Col. Henry Yule and A.C. Burnell, Originally published 1903, Reprint, 1968
- ↑ Wood, James (1849-01-01). Wood's Royal Southern Kalendar, Tasmanian Register and General Australasian & East Indian Official Directory ... H. Dowling, Jun.
- ↑ East-India Register and Directory. W.H. Allen. 1819-01-01.
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Prinsep, James (editor Edward Thomas): Essays on Indian Antqities, Historic, Numismatic, and Palaeographic, of the late James Prinsep, F.R.S., to which are added his Useful Tables illustrative of Indian History, Chronology, Modern Coinages, Weights, Measures etc. Two Volumes, Reprint, Indological Book House, Delhi and Varanasi, 1971. Originally published in London, 1858.