History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c13.s3.4

v1.c13.s3.4

‘Madhuchib-bhist’ or ‘Cire Perdue’ process is a refined technique where pattern of the desired shape is made from bee’s wax and then a mold is prepared by applying coatings of prepared clay slurry on it. Later-on when the refractory clay slurry has dried the wax is removed by baking the refractory shell. Thus only one casting could be made from one wax pattern. Before casting the molten metal the refractory shell was generally embedded in a box filled with the sand clay mixture for further support to the refractory wall. After pouring the metal and its solidification the mold was carefully broken to take out the metal casting which was given finishing touch by filing, chiselling, engraving and polishing etc. Saraswati has given a vivid description of this ancient technology and it has been refined during Calukya dynasty to produce innumerable brass and bronze pieces of art and idols of Gods and Goddesses which have kept the World wondering about the rich technological heritage of India as reviewed and described by Pal. (1983) Shama Shastry (vide *Arthaśāstra* of Kautilya) has referred in two books on this ancient art of metal casting viz. *Manasollāsa* and *Abhilasita Cintāmaṇi* of 12th century A.D., which give a detailed account of the method of preparation of wax pattern and slurry coating, provision of sprue, riser and runner etc. The composition of the clay slurry coating as given by them consisted of clay mixed with charred rice husk and sodium chloride all mixed in a definite proportion and finely ground. Recently Kumar and Saxena et al. have prepared a detailed report on the lost-wax technique currently being used by the tribals of Bastar for producing various brass and bronze objects. *Fig. 49* shows a bronze chandelier cast by this process in one piece where even the chain links were also cast along with the other parts in one mold. Indian and foreign museums are full of such intricate castings produced by the Indian craftsmen in the past. *Fig. 50* shows the five steps of the traditional process of making brass and bronze icons by this process as practiced even today in South India.