History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c12.s1.t4.4

v1.c12.s1.t4.4

There appears to be little doubt that at some unknown period in the mists of Indian history (perhaps as far back as 2000 years ago) a race of people highly skilled in mining and metallurgy explored and prospected all the auriferous areas in South India. Ancient workings are so widespread that no reef carrying economic values appears to have escaped the attention of these early prospectors.