RACHNA GUPTA* AND AMIT CHOWDHARY
Department of Kriya Sharir, MJF Ayurved Mahavidhyalaya, Chomu, Jaipur-303 702 (Rajasthan), India
*(e-mail: rgupta00@gmail.com; Mobile: 89684 18501)
(Received: February 17, 2026; Accepted: March 22, 2026)
ABSTRACT
The systematic measurement of the human body is well explained in ayurveda as well as contemporary science as anthropometry. In Ayurveda, it is described exclusively under Pramansharir by Acharya Charaka in Vimanasthana 8th chapter. It deals with quantitative assessment of body parts and body fluids with specialized units of measurement such as Angulipraman and Anjalipraman. It is broadly used in health and medicine departments to monitor child growth, detection of malnutrition, obesity, wasting of muscles, dosing medications based on BSA and assessment of risk of lifestyle diseases. In sports science, it is applied to assess talent identification (e.g., taller athletes for basketball, lighter for gymnastics), designing training programs based on body composition. Designing tools, clothing, equipment, and work places to fit human body dimensions in ergonomics etc. Praman Sharir introduces utilization of Swa- Angula as a tool of measurement for various anatomical structures of human body. By knowledge of Ayam, Vistar, Utsedha and Parinah of various Pratayanga one can differentiate individuals as possessing proportionate body or disproportionate body. As Pramana Sharir reveals measurements of body parts which are proportionately related to the total height of an individual; it could be beneficial for estimation of stature in forensic medicine.
Key words: Anthropometry, praman sharir, angulipraman, ayam, vistar