Arthashastra — Adhyakshaprachara, Sutra 9

Devanagari script

अष्टाङ्गुला धनुर्मुष्टिः ॥ कZ_०२.२०.०९ ॥

Transliteration

aṣṭāṅgulā dhanurmuṣṭiḥ

Translation

弓拳/弓柄尺度（dhanur-muṣṭi）为八 aṅgula。

Word by Word

• अष्टाङ्गुला: eight-finger(-breadths) (in measure)
• Type: Noun (numeral-compound used adjectivally)
• Root: अष्टन् + अङ्गुलि
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग; प्रथमा एकवचनम्; विशेषणरूपेण (मुष्टेः परिमाणम्)

• धनुर्मुष्टिः: the bow-grip (the part held by the fist)
• Type: Noun
• Root: धनुस् + मुष्टि
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग; प्रथमा एकवचनम्; ‘धनुषः मुष्टिः’ इति (धनुषि गृहीतभाग/हस्तग्रहः)

Entities Mentioned

• dhanurmuṣṭi
• dhanu (bow)

More Details

FAQs

What is a ‘Chanakya-nīti’ principle reflected in these measurement rules?

Rule by verifiable standards: codified measures reduce discretion, curb fraud, and make administration auditable across the realm.