An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s9.t1.2

v1.c21.s9.t1.2

Gold occurs in two forms: (1) As ‘placer’ metal (alluvial or detrital gold) it is found in the auriferous sands and gravels of a large number of rivers which pass over auriferous rocks, as in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar (especially the region of Dts Singhbhum and Manbhum and in the valleys of the Subarnarekha river). That alluvial gold-washing was carried out in antiquity is substantiated from the fact that gold dust was paid by the Indian provinces as tribute to Darius the Achaemenid. (2) Important sources of gold in the form of quartz veins or reefs are the Kolar gold mines which produce 99% of India’s gold output. In addition the Hutti gold mines in Dt Raichur, Ramagiri area in Dt Anantapur and Wynaad area in Dt Nilgiri also deserve mention.