History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c13.s2.t3.27

v1.c13.s2.t3.27

The shining white colour, high corrosion resistance and the non-tarnishing properties of silver attracted the attention of the primitive men and they found its use in making ornaments, utensils, decorative pieces and other house hold articles. It has also been used for the manufacture of various weapons for decorative as well as ceremonial purposes. The high ductility of the metal permitted it to be forged into sheets and foils used for making utensils having intricate embossed designs, as a sheet covering on various wooden objects studded with jewels for the use of rich men and kings. Its very thin foil has been used to cover various food dishes. This metal has been found also to have medicinal properties and used in the ancient Ayurvedic medicinal system.