Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c26.s4.2

v1.c26.s4.2

In this connection we recall the evidence from Rampura-Agucha presented in the previous chapter. The zinc-lead-silver ore in the site was selectively mined at least as early as 370 and 250 BC (vide Table 17.1). An appreciable amount of zinc must have been separated from the zinc-rich ore (present-day ore in the site contains 13.5 % zinc) as revealed from the low-zinc content slag. One sample of slag (No. 4 in Table 17. 4) assayed as low as 0.01 per cent zinc. (Tiwari et al., 1984: 85) Near the slag dump area several retort-like pieces were reported. When assembled, their appearance suggested a cylinder approximately 20 cm long with walls about 4-5 cm thick and an innermost pipe-like feature with a coating of dirty white material, mainly zinc sulphate. They could not be mistaken for tuyeres but for their closed pointed ends. This is highly suggestive of a used retort. Along with this, some thin-walled tube-like material containing a thin coating of blister type material was also found. (Paliwal *et al.*)