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A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM
The terms referred to for measurement of length are: Aratni (Rayani 20.88), Hasta (Hattha 101.51), Dhanus or Capa (Dhanu 20.96; Cava 118.86), Goruta (Gauya 3.36), Krośa (Kosa 51.4), and Yojana (Joyana 3.24,151). These measurements are explained as follows in the Tiloyapanpatti (1.114-116). Twelve 'angulas' or two 'padas' are equal to one 'Vitasti' and two Vitastis constitute one Hasta. The Arthaśāstra (2.20) adds four Angulas to two Vitastis to make a Hasta and only two Vitastis make one Aratni. Four Hastas make one Capa or Danda. But the Arthas astra states that four Aratnis are equal to one Danda. Two thousand Capas constitute one Krośa. Four Krośas or four Gorutas1 make one Yojana. Thus the Yojana is said to be measuring 4 miles (see Shama.).
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Molla (Mulya) denotes the price (39.69). The prevalence of money transactions is inferable from the mention of wealth in crores and lacs. The Dīņāras are mentioned in connection with the mock-selling of Ravana by Angada (68.32). The Guptas are said to have struck gold coins called Dināras ond Suvarnas2.
Conveyances -Yana (Jāņa 17.8) or Vahana (71.17) denoted the conveyance of transport. Sakata (Sayada 26.21; 33:15), the cart or the wagon was used for carrying the load of goods from one place to another. Purusa-yana (Purisajāņa 108.43) was the passenger car. Ratha (Raha 32.48) was the chariot. It was also called Syandana (Sandana 71.15; 94.54). Yoking of four horses to a chariot is referred to (Cauturaya samauttaṁ 42.3; 94.34). The PCV mentions it as a good means of river transport also. Kaikeyi went across the Gambhira river in a chariot (32.48-49) and Sītā was also carried across the river Ganges (94.53) in a chariot drawn by horses. The chariots also formed a column of army. The war-chariot of Ravana is called Maharatha (71.4). drawn by a number of elephants (71.2). It was loaded with arms and ammunitions. Chariots were drawn in procession on the occasion of religious ceremonies (8.207). Royal chariots were decorated with gold and jewels (53.113; 42.3-4; 8.207).
It was
Jāņavatta (Yanapatra 5.83) and Poa (Pota 2.44) were the boats or ships which were rowed on water (2.44; 55.30).
It
Then there was the litter or palanquin (Sibiya 96.1). was raised on the shoulders of men who carried noble or royal persons in it (3,132). Gold covering and the setting of precious stones on it indicate that it was a conveyance of the rich.
1. Samavayanga Su. 4 (caugaue joyane).
2. Coins of India, p 45; Vide IK, p. 266.
