BXBX NOVEL Chapter 135: Council Meeting [2]
"You can have a look and determine the efficiency of the scale."
The scale passed through the hands of the merchants and all the council members inspecting it to check how the markings and symbols correlated.
"This seems quite useful for smaller weights, but the suppliers have to use bigger weights to measure things." A concerned merchant said.
"We can create a bigger scale with the help of the same principle." Harsha responded.
"Principle?" Bhaskara asked with a hint of surprise in his voice. "So, his Majesty made this scale from scratch. A new unit for measuring both length and weight?"
Harsha nodded slightly.
Despite being known for his religious studies, the study of religion also extensively included the study of science. He was well versed in scientific things as well.
"In the past we had many scholars that contributed to the subcontinent, yet we are failing to implement them properly. We must not bring shame to their name."
India in the past had brilliant minds like Aryabhatta, who discovered the number 0 that paved the way for math. Brahmagupta, the ancient mathematician and astronomer who was known for his extensive work in planetary motions and gravity.
Brahmagupta had formulated the concept of gravity before Newton in his book Brahmaguptasiddanta in the early 7th century.
"This will be an excellent thing for scholars in the Empire. If we document it properly for research, Your Majesty," Bhaskara said in a high-pitched voice.
He was visibly excited to know about the principle behind the scale.
"Lord Bhaskara." Viswa said, standing beside Harsha. "We have documented the process, and His Majesty would be demonstrating the method used to determine it soon."
Before Bhaskara could interrupt.
"We will be sharing the documents with scholars that are thoroughly trusted not to leak the information."
Everyone in the meeting was curious about the method Harsha used to make the measurement scale.
Some servants walked in to the royal court.
They had two objects in their hands. One was a cubic container along with a metal cube, and the other was a device that had a metallic ball suspended in the air using a string.
"So this is the method used to determine the weight and length?" Suraj asked, inspecting the apparatus.
"It is quite simple. Let me explain the process." Harsha stood up with a smirk.
He grabbed the pendulum from the servant and placed it on the table.
"So, this is a pendulum." Harsha began as he pulled the pendulum and let it swing back and forth.
"How exactly does this help us understand the measurement scale?" Bhaskara asked.
"The string used here is the same length as the measuring scale. The pendulum also moves in one direction in a single Kṣaṇa (second)."
He explained that the single unit of length corresponds to the single unit of time. He used this principle to find the length of the scale.
"So if we increase the length of the string, we will get much longer time. So it is easier to prove the length."
He documented the exact length so that there will not be any errors when producing the scales.
"What about the weight, Your Majesty?" asked Mithun.
"That was simple, once you know the exact length of a single unit."
He took the metal cube from the hands of the servant and placed it on one end of the scale.
"This cube is exactly one unit of weight."
He then grabbed the cubic container and placed it on the other end of the scale.
"Now fill this container with water." He ordered the servants.
As they filled, the scales began to balance themselves out. The metal cube was exactly the same weight as the water-filled cubic container.
"How were the dimensions of the cube determined?." A merchant muttered aloud.
"About that. As I said before, once you have a unit of length, you can determine the weight easily." Harsha answered.
He took the string attached to the pendulum, took the cube, and put it along the side.
The cube was made exactly with the single unit of length; the same went for the cubic container.
Although the calculations weren\'t precise, Harsha did the water one at room temperature rather than 4 degrees Celsius to get the maximum density of water.
The difference would be very negligible for now. The weight system could be improved further by scholars who would study the documents as time passed.
He also had provided a breakdown of the units in the documentation. It was also to be provided to the craftsmen and merchants to understand quickly.
"This is a great take!! Your Majesty." Bhaskara exclaimed as he understood more of the workings of the scale.
"We also have the added benefit of calculating time using the pendulum." Harsha added.
Although it wasn\'t needed yet. He added it in the documentation since it would be useful as the Empire moves forward.
"Now, all doubts have been cleared." Harsha scanned the members. "Does anyone have any questions?"
"The explanations are good to persuade the craftsman under my care." Suraj explained as the other merchants nodded along, agreeing with him.
"So, Mithun\'s company will be responsible for producing the scales for measurement."
He looked at Mithun.
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Bhima Nayakas was deep in thought. He glanced up at Harsha.
"Your Majesty. What if they are replicated with inaccurate details?"
Mithun spoke up at his concern.
"Our company would handle the production of the scales. The Empire will employ one of our teams to inspect the scales of merchants in the Empire. We will be given authority to give severe punishment for malpractice."
Harsha looked satisfied at Mithun\'s precise answer. His timidity had disappeared completely as he grew under the leadership of Viswa and Harsha.
"The new scales were provided at a cheap rate for merchants to encourage easier adaptation. Rest is up to you merchants to bring the idea to life."
The three merchants spoke in unison.
"Don\'t worry, Your Majesty. We will not disappoint you."
Harsha looked quite pleased with the outcome of today\'s meeting. It was a new chapter for the industrial sector in the Empire.