JULY — SEP!. 1857.] Weights and Measures, 
183 
VIII. Suggestions for a uniform System of Weiglifs and 
Measures throughout India. By W. H. Bayley, E<q., of 
the Madras Civil Sein^ice. 
The expediency of defining, by authority of Government, some 
standard of Weight and Measure, applicable to the whole of our 
Indian territories, is generally admitted ; but what that standard 
should be, what?Us multiples, and how it is to be effectually in- 
troduced among tlfe people, are questions on which opinions 
greatly differ. 
No system can be specified which will not be open to some ob- 
jection, and the object of this paper is simply to propose for the 
consideration of those interested in the matter, a few different 
modes of arranging the Weights and Measures, in order that the 
subject may be well discussed by those qualified to give an opinion, 
before any one system is authoritatively adopted. 
With the exception of the weight of the Rupee, (180 grains), 
there exists no defined standard of Weight or Measure in India. 
There are certain traditionary standards, but these differ all over 
the country, and in practice are not adhered to, nor is there any 
Law on the subject, by which the gross irregularities that prevail 
can be checked. 
In the adoption of a new and uniform system, it appears ne- 
cessary either to determine on one that bears a close relation to 
the most prevalent of the existing Indian systems, or else to adopt 
one that will accord with the Imperial Weights and Measures of 
England. The former would be the most acceptable to the Native 
population, and therefore more easily introduced : the other would 
best suit the requirements of the increasing trade, an«i political 
connection, with Great Britain. 
The subject has to be considered under four heads. I. Weight. 
II. Measure of Length. III. Superfcial measure. IV. Measure of 
Capacity. The second and third points will be first alluded to, be- 
