History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c4.5

v1.c4.5

The details of copper mining from Singhbhum belt and Khetri areas, gold mining from Karnataka & Andhra, lead, zinc and silver mining from Rajasthan & Karnataka region show that these were based on traditional techniques. The quantitative analysis by modern methods of some of the metal objects available during this period testify the indigenous source on the basis of their composition, temperature at which these were made, nature of furnaces employed for the purpose, selection of raw materials etc. This furthur corroborates that the forging, lamination and smelting techniques were undoubtedly very old. Carburization of iron was known as early as 6th century B.C. The technique of corrosion-resistant forge-welded structures is still a mystery. The methods of coin-making through punching, casting, reponse and die-struck techniques were well-known. The broad chalcolithic phase also witnessed the growth of hand-made, wheel-thrown and wheel-turned potteries with painted decorations. The BR (the Black & Red) wares of Harappan and post-Harappan sites -Lothal, Ahar, Rangpur, Prakash etc. are unique, and possibly influenced the growth of LR (Lustrous Red) wares of Saurashtra and other sites. The PG (Painted Grey) and NBP (Northern Black Polished) wares found at Atranjikhera, Hastinapur, Alamgirpur etc. are associated with Iron Age and is contemporaneous with Vedic culture (c. 1200 B.C.) in India. The glass objects were valued primarily as objects of art. The evidence of vitreous paste, frit, faience,glazed etc are evolutionary stage of glass making. The manufacturing details, colouring agents and tools used for fabrication of these materials are now fairly known. The beads, steatite beads, limestone, gypsum, alabaster, lapis lazuli, turquoise,quartz or beryl were also considered by the Indians under the categories of gems possibly for their shining surfaces and commercial interest. Intersting details are found on the classification of gems, their sources, etymology, and mining. The manufacture of such a wide varities of material objects indicates that the ancient Indians could control various degrees of heat through multi-faced ovens leading possibly to furnace technology.