Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c20.s1.41

v1.c20.s1.41

We propose that diffusion of knowledge related to iron technology was not uni-directional. The technology grew in the ancient world in several phases, each covering centuries of time. We may identify at least five of these phases: (1) discovery of wrought iron and its ornamental use (3000-1200 BC), (2) discovery and use of surface-carburised iron, (3) use of forge-welded laminated sheets of carburised iron, (4) practices of quenching, hardening and annealing, (5) making of high carbon crucible steel.