Scientific Contents in Prakrta Canons

SR No.: 001670
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1996
Total Pages: 608
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, & Religion
File Size: 9 MB

Page 285

Weights and Measures-1: Mass and Volume Units: 263
without much details indicating it follows the tradition. However, if 'pala' is taken as equal to 46.40 g., the 'mani' unit of volume will weigh about 3 Kg. This seems to be too small a measure for volume specially in comparison of today's water tanks and Industrial tanks.
(c) Avamāna: Volume Measure or Length Measure
A. D. S. and R. V. define this unit as a measure of length and area through the units of Danda, Hasta, etc. In contrast, Ts. mentions it as volume measure of small amount of liquids just like water in hollow hand cup. This seems to be comparatively correct in analogy to the Pratimāna (Model) variety which also weighs small amounts of precious metals and materials. Though no units of 'Avamana' variety are given in Ts., still one could assume them as smaller than 64-fold measure. This first measure seems to be too big (equivalent to 46.40 ml. of today) for measuring costly liquids like Mercury or medicated oils where very small quantities have to be measured off and on. Normally, the term 'Avamāna' also means small measures.
Secondly, if Pramāņa means measures, the five or six varieties should also include time as it is also measured empirically. Moreover, measure of length and area is included in paraworldly category of Akalanka. Bhagavati also mentions length units during descriptions of simile time measures. A. D. S. has also length measures as one of the four basic measures. Thus, it does not require repeatition under matter measure.
(d) Unmāna and Pratimāna ( Model) measures of weights As today, there were many materials in olden days which were sold or used by weights. The Mana and Pratimāna measures refer to weights. They were estimated with the help of balance on the basis of standard or model weights. Medicines, sugar, jaggery, candy, precious metals and the like are weightable materials. They could be in gross and fine forms. The units used in case of weight measures start from half Karṣa