Sutra 3

Devanagari script

दशपुरुषो द्वादशान्तरो रथः ॥ कZ_०२.३३.०३ ॥

Transliteration

daśapuruṣo dvādaśāntaro rathaḥ

Translation

A chariot is (standardized as) ten puruṣa (in measure/capacity) and twelve antara (in spacing/measure).

Word by Word

• दशपुरुषः: a chariot of the ‘ten-men’ class/measure (i.e., requiring/allowing ten men, a size-class designation)
• Type: Noun
• Root: दश; पुरुष
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-एकवचन

• द्वादश-अन्तरः: having twelve intervals (a measurement specification)
• Type: Noun
• Root: द्वादश; अन्तर
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-एकवचन; ‘अन्तर’ = अन्तराल/अन्तर-प्रमाण (spacing/interval measure)

• रथः: chariot
• Type: Noun
• Root: रथ
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-एकवचन

Entities Mentioned

• ratha (chariot)

More Details

FAQs

Why would Kautilya specify chariot measures in fixed units?

To enforce uniformity for training, maintenance, spare parts, and predictable battlefield performance.

What is the administrative use of a 'standard model' in procurement?

It simplifies inspection, reduces contractor manipulation, and enables scalable production in workshops.