History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c12.s1.t2.2

v1.c12.s1.t2.2

Signs of original occupation by Saraks or Lay Jains exist who are said to be responsible for copper mining in Singhbum copper belt. Ball (1869 p.172) drew attention to many signs of original occupation of the district by Saraks or Lay Jains. There are many tanks and ruins which the villagers now refer to as of Sarak origin. He came to the conclusion that it was these Saraks who were responsible for the working of the mines. According to Colonel Dalton the Jain were driven out of Singhbhum more than 2000 years ago (Dalton, 1866 p. 164). The latest period of working in Singhbhum copper belt was probably between the third and sixth century as suggested by some old copper coins of the later Kushan type found at Rakha mines by Mr. Shoyer.