History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c4.3

v1.c4.3

The Bronze (copper + tin) is found in use in Indian subcontinent at quite an early phase and became a distinctive feature of the Indus Valley Culture (Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Chanhu-daro & other sites). The materials known to the Indus Valley people are gold, silver and copper in alloy with tin (bronze) and with arsenic and lead. From 200 sample analysis, it is found that 23% copper was alloyed with tin, 12% with arsenic and 5% with lead. Tin and arsenic alloy (with copper) were common with Harappan culture whereas tin alloy (with copper) were exclusively used in post-Harappan Banas, Jorwe and other Chalcolithic cultures. The varied range of copper and bronze implements, weapons and house-hold utensils point to large exploitation of metals and flourishing industry of mining, metallurgy and manufacturing trade. Harappan culture witnessed a remarkable standarization of ceramics, brick sizes, both burnt and mud bricks. The skill of brick layers is visible in great public buildings of the citadel complexes, great bath of Mohenjo-daro and granaries of both Mohenjo-daro & Harappa. There is ample evidence of agricultural activities, textiles, town planning, fabrication of houses, domestication of animals, transportation, arts & crafts attesting the antiquity of many other organised technical activity in later times in which India was well-known. What is that supported this vast technological, economic and social activities ? Is it surplus agriculture ? Huge brick built granaries is of course an indicator. Trade also assisted in two way diffusion of culture and technology.