An Analytical Quest on the Authentic Dimension of the Cubit

Abstract

Theories as depicted in vāstuśāstra that were ascertained by the great sages have Interdependence relationship with different variables that occur on the basis of païcabhüta. It has been demostrated the scientafic and practical values of theories of both renowned schools of vāstuśāstra which have been analyzed the measurements of the house in different aspects. The cubit is the key dimension that is utilized to measure the entire construction of the house. The Riyana or cubit through which all the proportions of measurements can be ascertained is defined as the instrument of entire vāstuśāstra. The dimension of the cubit has been analyzed in different perspectives. It is said that five types of cubit have been used by ancient Sri Lankan architects whereas, Modern architects use two types of cubit, the cubit that has 18 inches and the cubit of 32 inches respectively. It is to be accepted that the cubit of 32 inches is the most accurate and appropriate dimension of the cubit. But, in ancient texts, the cubit is defined as "Hasta" that is the accumulation of two spans. Dimension of one span is 12 inches. It is clear that cubit or Hasta has 24 inches that is not utilized by modern architects. This dimension has been adjudicated in all the primary texts composed in Sanskrit. It is to be examined perfectly what is the appropriate dimension of the Riyana, Hasta or cubit that is the main unit of measurements of the house construction. In this paper attempt is taken to get to the bottom of this problem on the basis of primary texts.