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The Upasakadasangasutra states that "Kaansya" refers to a specific type of vessel made of bronze. In ancient times, along with counting and weighing, measurement was also prevalent. Vessels of a specific size were used for this purpose, capable of holding a specific quantity of material. Here, "Kaansya" refers to such a vessel.
The wealth of the MahaShataka was so vast that even counting the gold coins was difficult. Therefore, such a vessel filled with gold coins was considered as one unit to express the magnitude of their wealth.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts discuss these ancient measurements. In ancient times, there were two types of weights and measures: Magadh-maan and Kalinga-maan. Magadh-maan was more prevalent and accepted. The Bhavaprakash discusses this in detail. There, based on the teachings of Maharshi Charak, the Magadh-maan is explained, starting from the Paramanu (atom) and progressively increasing the units of measurement. It states:
"Thirty Paramanus make one Trasarenu, also called Vanshi. The tiny particles visible in the rays of sunlight falling through a sieve, each is called Trasarenu or Vanshi. Six Trasarenu make one Marichi. Six Marichi make one Rajika or Rai. Three Rai make one Sarso, eight Sarso make one Jau, four Jau make one Ratti, six Ratti make one Masa. Masa is also called Hem and Dhanak. Four Masa make one Shaan, also called Dharan and Tank. Two Shaan make one Kol, also called Kshudrak, Vatak, and Drankshan. Two Kol make one Karsha. Panimanika, Aksh, Pichu, Panital, Kinchitpani, Tinduk, Vidalpadak, Shodashika, Karamध्य, Hansapad, Suvarna, Kavlagrah, and Udumbar are its synonyms. Two Karsha make one Ardhapala (half Pala). It is also called Shukti or Ashtamika. Two Shukti make one Pala. Musti, Amra, Chaturthika, Prakunch, Shodashi, and Bilva are its names. Two Pala make one Prasruti, also called Prasrit. Two Prasruti make one Anjali. Kudav, Ardha Sharavak, and Ashtaman are also its names. Two Kudav make one Manika. It is also called Sharav and Ashtapala. Two Sharav make one Prastha, meaning Prastha contains 64 Tola. Earlier, 64 Tola was considered as one Seer, therefore Prastha is considered as a synonym of Seer. Four Prastha make one Adhak, which is...