Agni Purana — Kosha, Shloka 38
Chapter 365 — क्षत्रविट्शूद्रवर्गाः
The Classes of Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras
तुला स्त्रियां पलशतं भारः स्याद्विंशतिस्तुलाः कार्षापणः कार्षिकः स्यात् कार्षिके ताम्रिके पणः
tulā striyāṃ palaśataṃ bhāraḥ syādviṃśatistulāḥ kārṣāpaṇaḥ kārṣikaḥ syāt kārṣike tāmrike paṇaḥ
A tulā is one hundred palas; a bhāra amounts to twenty tulās. The kārṣāpaṇa coin is also called kārṣika; and in the kārṣika standard, the copper coin is termed a paṇa.
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha, as per the Agni Purana’s standard narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Setting official standards for heavy weights (tulā, bhāra) and coin nomenclature (kārṣāpaṇa/paṇa) for taxation, wages, fines, and contracts.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Heavy weights and coin terms: tulā, bhāra, kārṣāpaṇa/kārṣika, paṇa","lookup_keywords":["tulā","bhāra","kārṣāpaṇa","kārṣika","paṇa"],"quick_summary":"Defines tulā as 100 palas and bhāra as 20 tulās, and clarifies coin terminology linking kārṣāpaṇa with kārṣika and paṇa as the copper denomination in that standard."}
Concept: Nyāya in exchange: fairness through common measures and named denominations.
Application: Publish and enforce standard weights/coins to reduce dispute (vyavahāra) and stabilize revenue.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Vyavahara (Weights, Measures, Coinage, and Economic Standards)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A royal weigh-house: officials verify a tulā and bhāra on large balances; a money-changer displays kārṣāpaṇa and copper paṇa coins with labels.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, palace courtyard with large balance scale, stacked weights labeled tulā and bhāra, coin trays, officials in traditional attire, strong outlines and muted tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, king’s emblem with gold leaf, ceremonial weighing scene, coins rendered with gilded highlights, symmetrical composition, ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear instructional depiction of weight stacks (100 palas = tulā; 20 tulās = bhāra) and coin names in neat callouts, court setting.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed darbar with accountants, large scales, coin inspection, fine architectural background, delicate linework."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्याद्विंशतिः = स्यात् + विंशतिः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 365 (mana and monetary standards); Agni Purana rājadharma/vyavahāra sections on adjudication and fines
FAQs
It defines practical metrology and currency terminology—how tulā, pala, and bhāra relate as weight units, and how kārṣāpaṇa/kārṣika/paṇa function as monetary denominations.
Beyond theology, the text records administrative standards—weights, measures, and coinage—needed for trade, taxation, legal fines, and state governance (vyavahāra/rajadharma).
By standardizing honest measures and lawful currency, it supports dharma in economic conduct; fairness in trade and valuation is treated as a moral duty that reduces wrongdoing and social harm.