Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c18.s1.7

v1.c18.s1.7

In chapter 7, we have mentioned that Hegde (1969) compared the artefacts from Ahar with the chalcopyrite ore from Khetri, and the similarities led him to conclude that “copper metal of the Ahar artefacts was probably smelted from the ore of the Aravalli region”. While the conclusion can certainly be supported from other evidences such as slag dumps and ancient mines, Hegde’s argument is hazardous. ‘The Aravalli region’ alluded to by Hegde corresponds to a vast area and ores of more than one type; the Ahar region is hundreds of kilometres away from Khetri.