History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c4.4

v1.c4.4

Rgvedic civilization (c.1500 - 1000 B.C.) has been underrated by few paradigms like Aryan invasion, rural civilization (with reference to urban Harappan civilization), absence of cosmic order (ṛtam) including scientific spirit. These criticisms are not found meaningful. These get added significance when examined against a backdrop of high monistic order, civil war of oppressed agriculturists living in Haryana & Punjab, semi-urban surroundings of people living side by side and other factors. Iron-use got slowly a new lease of life in Karnataka in South U.P., Rajasthan area in Ahar, Atranjikhera (c.1150 B.C.), and West Bengal - Bihar area in Pandu-rajar Dhibi & Barudih (c 1200 B.C.). This led to some kind of urbanization and power struggle and a complex process of class structure. Originally there was division of labour but no institution of caste. Gradually the impact of caste system categorized people as well as metals, woods and even mundane things into castes and subcastes, a stigma for free exchange of knowledge. The revolt against tradition and conservatism brought in many new ideas and new pursuits. The period from c. 1000 B.C. to the beginning of the Christian era saw new technology with the vedic people. The power struggle and rivalry promoted technology further to protect and augment the power structure. Nanda and Maurya empires flourished. Rapid growth took place in mining, metallurgy, semi-precious gems and weaving industry to manage state control economy. This is clear from the Arthaśāstra of Kauṭilya which had prescribed duties for superintendent of mines, metals, coins and mints, ocean-mines etc. The head Superintendent of metals was entrusted to carry on the manufacture of coins, the ocean mine superintendent was for the collection of conch shells, diamonds, precious stones, pearls, corals and regulate commerce on the above activities. There is also reference to guilds of workmen and those who carry on the co-operative along with the details of manufacturing and processing techniques. The work shows unique specialization. To assess the extent of this knowledge, papers have been grouped for better understanding.