History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c13.s2.t4.40

v1.c13.s2.t4.40

Charcoal – Charcoal was prepared from wood like Irool (Xylia dolaberiformis) Teak, Babul (Acacia arbica), Sal (Shorea rubusta), Bamboo (Caleotropis gigantica) etc. yielding dense and heavy charcoal. It was prepared by cutting the dried branches and trees and burning them into an open heap or inside a pit and when the wood was charred the fire was extinguished by covering the burning wood with green leaves and twigs, and sprinkling water on it. After the fire has completely died out the charcoal was collected and used for smelting. In the latter period Beehive type of firing chambers were introduced for controlled charring of the wood.