aṅgulaka

 The Sanskrit word "aṅgulaka" primarily refers to a measure

equivalent to the length of one or several fingers, often used 

as a unit of measurement in classical Indian texts.

Definition and Etymology

"Aṅgulaka" (अङ्गुलक) is derived from “aṅgula” meaning "finger", combined 

with the suffix -ka, and is used in compounds and technical contexts 

to denote a measurement expressed in finger breadths. For example,

ṣoḍaśāṅgulaka refers to sixteen aṅgulas or sixteen fingers’ breadth 

Wisdom Library

. 

In general usage, it functions in compounds to indicate dimensions 

or lengths based on the number of fingers, hence literally meaning 

"so many fingers long" 

Buddhistdoor Global+1

.

Usage as a Unit of Measurement

In classical Indian measurement systems and texts such as Shilpa Shastras, 

Vastushastra, Ayurveda, Jyotisha, and Ganitashastra, the aṅgulaka 

is recognized as a standard linear measure or "finger measure":

• Basic unit: 1 aṅgulaka = 1 aṅgula = roughly the breadth of a finger 

  1

  .
• Subdivisions: 8 smaller units (yava, barleycorns) make 1 aṅgula.
• Larger measures: 24 aṅgulas = 1 hasta (cubit), 2 hastas = 1 kiṣku, 
• 4 daṇḍa = 1 rajju, etc. 

  1

  .
• Approximate modern value: 1 aṅgulaka ≈ 1.05–1.67 cm (0.41–0.66 inches), 
• depending on the source and context 

  1

  .
• 

  1 Source

This term was widely used in architecture, iconography, sculpture, astronomy, 

and ritual measurement systems in ancient India, serving as one of 

the fundamental units in constructing altars, idols, and tools 

Wisdom Library

. 

Summary

• Literal meaning: Finger, finger breadth
• Technical meaning: A unit of length equal to one aṅgula, used in measuring 
• objects, distances, or in compound terms for specifying exact lengths
• Contextual usage: Common in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist scriptures; Indian 
• architecture, mathematics, and astronomy; Shilpa and Vastushastra texts 

  3

  .
• 

  

  3 Sources

In essence, "aṅgulaka" is a precise traditional measure based on the human

finger, integral to the ancient Indian systems of measurement, science, 

and art.