Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c25.s4.5

v1.c25.s4.5

The East Lode (fig. 17.3b) has been almost quarried at the outcrop, the opencast now being a lake of several hectares. The water level was never more than a few metres below surface; this was lifted as a rare gift for agriculture in the neighbouring drought-stricken lands. The East Lode is characterised by extensive timberwork of 16 m height and for a length of at least 150 m, C-14 dated 375 BC to AD 110 (vide Table 17.1 showing one 120 BC date for the South Lode also), indicating five centuries of mining in this area reaching a depth of 263 m. At the north end of the pit, there are nine large mortar holes in the quartzitic rock, each about 30 cm across and up to twice as deep, with rounded bottoms. These were undoubtedly worked as stamps for the ore. The pea- to sand-sized product was found scattered in the adjoining area.