Pali/Paili, Grain Measure

The handsome and well-crafted grain measure is made of brass and copper sheets. The basic structure is made of a copper sheet folded into a cylinder and joined by soldering. The outer surface is adorned with horizontal as well as vertical ornate bands which reinforce the sheet structure besides adding to its looks. Flat figures of cows, parrots elephants and a crescent moon cutout from a brass sheet are soldered on to the surface. A round copper plate is affixed at the bottom to hold the grain.
Before the advent of the British measuring system, Indians measured their grains in tolas and sers. One ser comprised 80 tolas and was equal to 2.5 lb. For measuring grains, Indians had measures of different sizes based on the quantity to be measured.