Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c11.s7.5

v1.c11.s7.5

Chisels, rectangular or square in section, were frequently found and these were made from square or rectangular rods of metal, which were probably cast in this shape, as it would have entailed considerable labour to hammer them out. The intentional thinning was probably produced by hammering, for both butt and edge would have required the additional hardness that can be produced in a copper tool only by the hammer. (MS-II, 501-2)