Government of IndiaThe Metrology Behind Harappan Town-Planning
Alternative Title: Propagation: A Journal of Science Communication
Author: Danino, Michel
Keywords: Indus Civilization
Architecture
Ancient- India
Harappan Town- Planning
Metrology
Propagation- Science Communication
Publisher: National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata
Description: The existence and use of Harappan linear units have remained a riddle. Harappan town planning, in particular, has not so far been known to have used precise units, although it displays elaborate geometry. This article proposes that the site of Dholavira, in the Rann of Kachchh, enables us to calculate a possible linear unit used to lay out the fortifications. This unit, which works out to 1.9 m, is then related to a proposed Harappan angula of 1.76 cm, with a factor of 108 between the two, as indicated in later classical literature.
Besides other Harappan sites, independent research at early history and historical sites and structures - e.g., Taxila, Shishupalgarh, Thimi and the Delhi Iron Pillar - is quoted as confirmation of the proposed system - an important case of continuity between India's two urbanizations.
Description: Includes bibliographical references.
Source: National Council of Science Museums
Type: Article
Received From: National Council of Science Museums
| DC Field | Value |
| dc.title.alternative | Propagation: A Journal of Science Communication |
| dc.contributor.author | Danino, Michel |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2017-06-15T07:50:35Z |
| dc.date.available | 2017-06-15T07:50:35Z |
| dc.description | Includes bibliographical references. |
| dc.description.abstract | The existence and use of Harappan linear units have remained a riddle. Harappan town planning, in particular, has not so far been known to have used precise units, although it displays elaborate geometry. This article proposes that the site of Dholavira, in the Rann of Kachchh, enables us to calculate a possible linear unit used to lay out the fortifications. This unit, which works out to 1.9 m, is then related to a proposed Harappan angula of 1.76 cm, with a factor of 108 between the two, as indicated in later classical literature. Besides other Harappan sites, independent research at early history and historical sites and structures - e.g., Taxila, Shishupalgarh, Thimi and the Delhi Iron Pillar - is quoted as confirmation of the proposed system - an important case of continuity between India's two urbanizations. |
| dc.source | National Council of Science Museums |
| dc.format.extent | 12p. |
| dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf |
| dc.language.iso | English |
| dc.publisher | National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata |
| dc.subject | Indus Civilization Architecture Ancient- India Harappan Town- Planning Metrology Propagation- Science Communication |
| dc.type | Article |
| dc.date.copyright | 2011 |
| dc.format.medium | text |
| DC Field | Value |
| dc.alternativetitle | Propagation: A Journal of Science Communication |
| dc.contributor.author | Danino, Michel |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2017-06-15T07:50:35Z |
| dc.date.available | 2017-06-15T07:50:35Z |
| dc.description | Includes bibliographical references. |
| dc.description.abstract | The existence and use of Harappan linear units have remained a riddle. Harappan town planning, in particular, has not so far been known to have used precise units, although it displays elaborate geometry. This article proposes that the site of Dholavira, in the Rann of Kachchh, enables us to calculate a possible linear unit used to lay out the fortifications. This unit, which works out to 1.9 m, is then related to a proposed Harappan angula of 1.76 cm, with a factor of 108 between the two, as indicated in later classical literature. Besides other Harappan sites, independent research at early history and historical sites and structures - e.g., Taxila, Shishupalgarh, Thimi and the Delhi Iron Pillar - is quoted as confirmation of the proposed system - an important case of continuity between India's two urbanizations. |
| dc.source | National Council of Science Museums |
| dc.format.extent | 12p. |
| dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf |
| dc.language.iso | English |
| dc.publisher | National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata |
| dc.subject | Indus Civilization Architecture Ancient- India Harappan Town- Planning Metrology Propagation- Science Communication |
| dc.type | Article |
| dc.date.copyright | 2011 |
| dc.format.medium | text |
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