History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s2.t2.1

v1.c20.s2.t2.1

Dyeing agents are required in the preparation of inks also. The relic vase of the stupa at Andher, believed to be of 2nd century B.C. contains inscriptions written with ink on its surface. The inkpot found during the excavations at Taxila was on examination found to contain black carbon mixed with earth and this provides an evidence for the use of carbon ink in ancient India during the Kuṣāṇa period. (Archaeological Report, 1929, 30.209). There are several other archaeological evidences which throw light on the use of ink even before the Christian era. In ancient times, red lead and minium (hīngula) were used as substitutes for ink. The Kharoṣṭi documents from Khatan prove the use of ink in the 1st century A.D. Ancient painted inscriptions are still found fresh in the caves of Ajanta. The Jains have also used coloured inks extensively in their manuscripts. Professional writers were known by the names lipikāra and śāsana lekhaka (Śiv.R. V 15.86). It is well known that scholars and poets were writing on birch bark and palm leaves.