An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s9.6

v1.c21.s9.6

For optimum strength and ductility only 8 to 12% tin [16.9.5] is required for alloying. But from the above we see that only 14% of the artefacts are in the optimum tin range. This may indicate either lack of control over correct alloying proportions or lack of knowledge of the required optimum tin content. The fact that 70% of the artefacts are unalloyed may indicate a general scarcity of tin. At Mohenjo-daro the upper levels have 23% bronze tools and in the lower levels only 6%. Mainly knives, axes and chisels are alloyed.