Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c20.s3.t9.5

v1.c20.s3.t9.5

Banerjee reported (1965: 179) that “the remains of a forge with a groove for the introduction of the working end (or nozzle) of a blower or bellows, an improvised stand made from the sturdy and large neck of a broken vessel to support a water jar to store water for quenching, a small or miniature jar to collect small quantities or water according to necessity, and a shallow but large enough bowl to contain water near at hand for quenching, help to reconstruct the process of a black-smith’s working. The use of an anvil, also of iron, and iron tools like pincers for handling the red-hot iron bar or tool, is clearly indicated. The iron nail and chisel lying near the forge, which is lined with bricks and clay, burnt hard, and contains ash and charcoal, suggest the variety of objects produced, sharpened or remade at the forge”.