History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c13.s2.t4.36

v1.c13.s2.t4.36

(i) Collection and preparation of the raw-material: Iron ore - mostly weathered soft Heamatite ore was used but in some regions like in Assam and South India magnetite sand has also been used for the extraction of iron. The operation was generally carried out in the vicinity of the ore deposit or in the nearby forest where suitable charcoal could be made from the wood. It was the duty of the experienced men to locate suitable deposit of the ore and dig it out after performing the puja. Women used the help in transporting the ore and breaking it into pea size (3-5mm). In Mandla before starting for the collection of the ore a ‘mantra’ was recited for the success.