History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c18.s2.t1: Metal processing method

History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c18.s2.t1

Language: English

Metal processing method

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In addition to the processing method of metals in general and Iron in particular is also found described in this text by the term ‘Ayaskṛti (SS. Ci. 10/11-14) which is of three types, viz.

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1. Ayaskṛti, 2. Auṣadhāyaskṛti and 3. Mahauṣadhāyaskṛti *Method of Making Ayaskṛti*

For this thin sheets of *Tīkṣṇa* variety of Iron are first pasted with the paste of different salts and then heated strongly in cow dung fire and quenched in the decoctions of *‘Triphālā’* and *‘Sālasāradi group’* of drugs repeatedly for sixteen times. There after these are heated in *Khadirāngāra* (strong heat) and on cooling these are made into fine powder form by grinding and sieving through a fine cloth. It is known as *‘Ayaskṛti’* and may be used in suitable doses mixed with ghee and honey.

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*Ausadhayāskṛti*

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For *‘ausadhāyaskṛti’* strongly heated pieces of thin Iron sheets are quenched in the decoction of *Tṛvrit* etc. drugs, kept in a boat shaped tub made of *Palāśa* wood repeatedly for twenty one times. There after Iron pieces should be kept in a *thālī* (wide mouth vessel) with the above liquid and heated over cow dung fire till the liquid reduces to 1/4th part and filtered. This filtrate may again be used for quenching hot iron sheets pieces repeatedly. In the end mix *Pippalyādi* powder one part, ghee and honey two parts each with the treated Iron in an Iron pot and keep it in secret place for sometimes. It is known as *‘Auṣadhāyaskṛti’*.

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*Mahauṣadhāyaskṛti*

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For *‘Mahauṣadhāyaskṛti’* strongly heated pieces of thin iron sheets are quenched in the decoction of *Śālasārādi-gaṇa* drugs kept in a boat shaped palāśa wood tub for twenty one times. On cooling so treated iron pieces are ground to a fine paste from with the above decoction. Now mix 1/4th part of above decoction with it and fill it in an already prepared earthen pot. Add *Pippalyādi Cūrṇa* in a quantity sufficient to develop a pungent taste of the liquid or equal to Iron paste or in double amount. Keep it in a calm place for one month or as required. It is known as *‘Mahauṣadhāyaskṛti’* similar to *Āsavāriṣṭha* preparation.

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Besides different methods of making *‘Ayaṣkṛties’*, another method of using Iron internally is also found described in Susruta in the context of *‘Lohāriṣṭha’* (SS. Ci. 12/11).

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In this context small pieces of thin *Tīkṣṇa* loha scats, obtained after strong heating are advised to be added with the liquid of *‘Lohāriṣṭha’* since the beginning of the fermentation process and is allowed to remain in contact with the liquid for 3-4 months (i.e. till the completion of the fermentation process) or till complete dissolution of thin Iron pieces is achieved in the liquid and on developing a specific taste of the liquid it may be taken for use.

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It means during samhita period (classical age-1000 BC - 500 BC) Iron was also advised to be used in solution form through *Āsavāriṣṭha* preparations. Not only this the Iron and Copper powders were also advised for internal use mixed with *leha* (liking) type of compounds. The *Śālasārādi leha* (SS. Ci. 12/9) deserves mention in this context.

Linked texts (1)

Suśrutasaṃhitā — Suśruta & Nāgārjuna (siddha/alchemist), Sanskrit