Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c23.29

v1.c23.29

During Aśoka’s reign (274-37 BC) and thereafter, the Buddhist missionaries spread out in all directions, across India’s borders, and this augmented trades of various items including minerals and metals. The king of Sri Lanka, Devānāmpiya Tissa (247-207 BC) sent to Aśoka various presents including sapphires, lapis lazuli, rubies, and eight varieties of pearls which “rose miraculously from the earth and the sea respectively”. (*Mahāvaṃsa* narrative) Aśoka’s return-gift consisted of golden and other ornaments and ‘costly hand-towels which are cleansed by being passed through the fire’.