History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c26.s3.t4.6

v1.c26.s3.t4.6

*Actual oilpresses*: Few old oilpresses have survived, being frequently made of wood in the past. A series of old stone crushing units have been brought together in Dwarka (Gujarat) from surrounding areas; though labelled as soma crushers, their design almost certainly points to their being oil-crushing units. One authority is of opinion that these units go back the first two centuries of the Christian era (Rao, S.R., Personal Communications). The same authority has also excavated *ghānis* from 6th century AD surroundings in Aihole (Bijapur District, Karnataka). A stone oilmill set up in Karnataka state by one Asakka-gavunda in 1145 AD with an inscription to this effect is stated to still surive (Gururajachar, 1974, p. 75). Till about a century ago, all commercial oil extraction in the country was effected in *ghānis*, with only regional variations in size and design.