Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c20.s5.7
Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c20.s5.7
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v1.c20.s5.7
The site of Taxila which went through the vicissitudes of history — rise and fall of empires — across nearly a millennium (520 BC to AD 470), showed a large number of iron samples which would be discussed in chapter 14. The Sirkap stratum showed iron swords and carpenter's adzes assaying 1.2-1.7 per cent carbon and exhibiting cementite and pearlite grains. However, there was no evidence of hardening and tempering. 108 ingots found in Sirkap measuring 5-6 inches in length, 1-2 inches in cross-section and 1-1/2 to 4 lb. in weight were found to be porous wrought iron specimens with 0.1 per cent carbon. Such ingots must have been subsequently carburized and forged to produce harder materials.