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
ตุลา (tulā, เป็นคำนามเพศหญิง) เท่ากับ ๑๐๐ ปละ; ภาระ (bhāra) เท่ากับ ๒๐ ตุลา เหรียญการ์ษาปณะ (kārṣāpaṇa) เรียกอีกอย่างว่า การ์ษิกะ (kārṣika) และในมาตราการ์ษิกะ เหรียญทองแดงเรียกว่า ปณะ (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.