july — sept. 1857.] Weights and Measures. 



183 



VIII. Suggestions for a uniform System of Weights and 

 Measures throughout India. By W. H. Bayley, Esq., of 

 the Madras Civil Service. 



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 its multiples, and how it is to be effectually in- 

 troduced among the 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 t$ 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, and political 

 connection, with Great Britain. 



The subject has to be considered under four heads. I. Weight. 

 II. Measure of Length. III. Superficial measure. IV. Measure of 

 Capacity. The second and third points will be first alluded to, be- 



