History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c38.s2.1

v1.c38.s2.1

The units are usually based on natural elements or phenomenon. What about weight? These are mostly represented by the weight of an object like, a seed (māṣa or guñja) or a piece of metal. If the objects are lost, the very basis of a system is lost. The fact was not possibly unknown to the ancient Indians. There is enough hint in the Arthaśāstra that the weight of māṣa (Phraseolus Radiatus) was standardized with volume of one aṅgula of water. Whether this māṣa of ancient India has any connection with mass of CGS system is a matter of great interest and still to be investigated.