History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c13.s2.t12.12

v1.c13.s2.t12.12

Besides the above mentioned alloys many other binary and multi-component alloy compositions such as *Pañca loha* and *Aṣṭadhātu* were known to Indian craftsmen. These alloys were used for specialised purposes and their production technology were very closely guarded. Alloys or Ag-Cu-Sn etc. Sn-Pb alloy or Sn-Pb-Sb or special zinc alloy were used for producing coins, type metal, tinning alloy and Bidri ware. Amalgam or Hg-Au was used for Gold coating on brass and copper objects. Fine wires of Au, Ag and Au-Ag alloys were drawn to prepare jari thread used in a variety of embroidered silk and brocade. Silver alloy filegree ornament manufacturing craft of Orissa is famous even today.