Abrus
precatorius : Gunja (Ratti)
Weight
of Gold is measured in terms of 'Tola'. The calculation is simple.
Ten ratti was equal to one maasha and twelve maasha was one tola.
Neither Tola nor maasha is being discussed in this article but
Ratti is the topic.
Ratti,
the seeds of Abrus precatorius, commonly known as Rosary pea or
Gunja in hindi was used as standard weight in ancient India by
the goldsmiths because the seed is fairly constant in weight and
on an average, it weighs about 1/10th of a gram. The name is derived
from Abrus which means graceful as it has beautiful flowers and
precatorius from precor, which means "to pray". The seeds are
used as ornamental beans in rosaries and garlands meant for worship
and prayers.
The
plant is native to tropical Asia, especially India. It is a commonly
found herb in mixed deciduous forests. It grows best in fairly
dry regions at low elevations. Gunja beans are very beautiful
and attractive. See the picture if you don't believe. They are
usually scarlet red with black spot at base. The seed is oval
or round, with a diameter of about quarter of an inch. It is pale
and soft when immature, but hard, dry and glossy when ripe. There
are about 4-6 seeds in a pod.
The
seeds contain a deadly poison abrin that provides this plant a
toxic character. But the seeds are less poisonous when directly
taken. However, when powdered and mixed with dhatura it becomes
highly toxic and makes it one of the most beautiful poisonous
plants of the world. The seeds are first decorticated - ie the
outer covering is removed. They also find their place in ancient
stories that described the use of 'Sutaris', needles made up of
the paste of these poisonous seeds to make a kill. Even kings
and often spies used these needles to kill their enemies. Small
needles were pricked into the body and the poison would mix with
the blood eventually killing the victim.
Rest
apart, this plant is used by various tribes for the treatment
of scratches, sores and wounds. The seeds are used for making
necklaces and other ornaments, garlands etc. Children are attracted
by the brightly-colored seeds of Abrus precatorius. They should
not be allowed to play with the seeds. Moreover, keep seeds or
ornaments made out of seeds away from children. Owing to its poisonous
nature, Abrus precatorius is not preferred in home gardens. People
should be made aware of the dangers of ingesting seeds of Abrus
precatorius.
For
more information plz visit the following link:
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/abrus-precatorius.shtml
