Old Indian units of length were used across different regions of the Indian subcontinent during various historical periods. The usage of these units dates back centures i.e. some of these units are mentioned in anceint indian texts such as Vedas, and the Arthashastra, and various regional literature.
- Vedic Period (1500 BCE - 500 BCE): - many ancient texts (e.g. Vedas), mention units of measurements such as hasta (hand span) and angula (figure width). These units were used in various contexts, including rituals, construction, and trade.
- Maury and Gupata Empires (322 BCE - 550 CE): - in this period the commonly used units for administrative and trade purposes were danda (staff) and yoojana (a measure of distace). The Arthashastra mentions these units.
- medieval Period (600 CE - 1500 CE): medieval period saw the ontinued use of traditional units of length, alongside the introduction of new once influenced by curtural and regional factors. The commonly used units of length in this period where gaz (yard) and kos (measure of distance)
- Mughal Empire (1526 CE - 1857 CE) - in this period the standardization of measurement units was performed accros the empire. Th Mughals introduced units such as gaz and bigha (A measure of land area), which where used extensively in revenue administration and land measurement.
- Colonioal period (1600 CE - 1947 CE): During this colonial period, British colonial administrators introduced their own system of measurement, which included units such as inches, feet, and miles. However, traditional Indian units continued to be used alongside the colonial system, especially in rural areas and for traditional practices.
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