History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c11.s2.t4.2

v1.c11.s2.t4.2

A few artifacts have been examined metalographically (Agrawal et al, 1978b), Pathak and Medhekar 1955). An axe from Chandoli shows casting fins all over the surface. Although equiaxial grains and the absence of coring indicate a slow cooling of the cast, yet the holes on the surface show that the molten metal was not "green poled". An axe from Somnath shows evidence of cold work and annealing, and specimens from Navdatoli and Ahar indicate a knowledge of casting and annealing. The report of "glassy" slag at Ahar indicates local smelting.