Ratti Unit | All you need to know

(रत्ती, رتي, রত্তি, రత్తి, ರತ್ತಿ, رتی, रत्ति, ரத்தி, রত্তী, raktika)  is a traditional Indian unit of mass, still used in jewelry and Ayurveda. One Ratti is approximately equal to 0.1215 grams.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Ratti
• Symbol and Representation
• History and Cultural Significance
• Importance and Usage
• Applications of Ratti
• Conversions and Common Values
• Conclusion

Definition of Ratti

Ratti is a traditional Indian unit of mass, widely used in ancient and modern India for weighing small items such as gemstones, precious metals, and herbs. The standard value of one Ratti is approximately 0.1215 grams. It is derived from the weight of the seed of the gunja (Abrus precatorius) plant, which was historically used as a natural weight standard.

Symbol and Representation

Ratti is typically written in full as "Ratti" and does not have a standardized symbol in the metric or imperial systems. However, it is commonly used informally in Indian jewelry and Ayurvedic communities, often abbreviated as "rt" or simply referred to in local languages.

History and Cultural Significance

The use of Ratti dates back to ancient India, where natural seeds were used as weight measures in trade, science, and medicine. The gunja seed, due to its consistent weight, was selected as the standard for the Ratti. It became especially popular in the measurement of gemstones and gold. The traditional Hindu texts and Ayurvedic manuscripts often refer to dosages and material weights in Ratti, establishing its deep cultural roots.

Importance and Usage

Though metric units have largely replaced traditional systems, Ratti remains important in specific sectors:

• Used in Indian gemstone and jewelry trade for weighing small quantities.
• Plays a vital role in traditional medicine (Ayurveda) for measuring herbal dosages.
• Used in astrology and rituals for recommending gemstones based on weight in Ratti.

It bridges modern practices with centuries-old traditions still alive in Indian culture.

Applications of Ratti

The Ratti unit is actively used in:

• Jewelry: Gemstones such as sapphires and emeralds are sold based on their weight in Ratti.
• Ayurveda: Ancient and modern Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe doses in Ratti for herbs and medicines.
• Astrology: Astrologers recommend wearing gems of specific Ratti weights to counterbalance planetary effects.

Conversions and Common Values

Conversions for Ratti can vary slightly based on historical regional definitions, but the generally accepted standard is:

• 1 Ratti ≈ 0.1215 grams
• 8 Ratti ≈ 1 Masha (≈ 0.97 grams)
• 12 Masha ≈ 1 Tola (≈ 11.66 grams)
• 1 gram ≈ 8.23 Ratti

Ratti is still commonly used in parts of India, especially in traditional jewelry stores.

Conclusion

The Ratti remains a culturally significant and practically useful unit in parts of India. Despite the rise of the metric system, it continues to be a trusted measure in gemstone trading, Ayurveda, and astrology. Its historical connection to nature and consistency in measurement make it a fascinating blend of tradition and utility that continues to endure in the modern era.