Measurements for time, distance and weight

Introduction

This document explores the units of measurement used in ancient India for time, distance, and weight, highlighting the sophisticated systems developed in this civilization.

Paramanu: The Smallest Unit

• The concept of Paramanu in ancient Indian literature refers to the smallest indivisible unit of matter.
• It is not directly related to modern subatomic particles but represents a similar concept of the fundamental building blocks of the universe.
• The time taken for light to pass through a Paramanu is considered the smallest measure of time, equivalent to 1.31 x 10^-5 seconds.
• Similarly, the weight and length of a Paramanu represent the smallest units for these measures.

Measures for Length

• Ancient Indians had a well-defined system for measuring length, with units ranging from the extremely small Paramanu to the large Yojana.
• The units were based on multiples of 7, with 7 Paramanus making a Renu, 7 Renus making a Truti, and so on.
• Larger units like Angula, Dhanurmusti, Prajapatya-hasta, Dhanus, Garhapatya-dhanus, Goruta, and Yojana were also used.
• 1 Angula is equivalent to 1.67 centimeters in modern terms.
• 1 Yojana is equal to 14.484 kilometers.

Measures for Time

• Ancient Indian texts like Srimad-Bhagavata-mahapurana contain detailed descriptions of units of time, ranging from fractions of a second to billions of years.
• A shloka in Bhagavatamaha-purana describes an experiment to measure time using a golden needle piercing a copper vessel filled with water.
• The elapsed time for the water to fill the vessel and submerge it is called Nadika.
• Other units of time include Paramanu, Anu, Trasrenu, Truti, Vedha, Lava, Nimesa, Prahara, Paksha, Masa, Rtu, Ayana, and Kalpa.
• The lifespan of a human is considered to be 100 years, while the lifespan of a celestial being is 36,000 human years.
• A Maha-yuga is 4,320,000,000 human years.

Measures for Weight

• Balances have been in use in India since the Harappan period.
• Arthashastra, an ancient Indian text, provides detailed information on measures for weight, including denominations for precious metals and guidelines for developing and verifying balances.
• Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, also has a well-defined system of weights for mixing ingredients.
• The units of weight range from Paramanu to Bhara, with 30 Paramanus making a Vamsi, 8 Sarsapa making a Yava, and so on.

Conclusion

Ancient India had a sophisticated and comprehensive system of measurement for time, distance, and weight, with units ranging from the extremely small to the very large. These systems were used in various fields like astronomy, trade, and medicine, demonstrating the advanced scientific and mathematical knowledge of this civilization.