Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c28.s8.t1.16

v1.c28.s8.t1.16

In Gujarat there were tendencies for producing (i) zinc-free or low Zn lead bronze (Nos. 5, 12,19, 23-25) and (ii) tin-free or low Sn lead brass (Nos. 6, 8,10, 17, 28-31) but these tendencies were feeble and not restricted to one place or any sharply defined time period. Only a few samples (Nos. 9, 16 and 26) contained reasonable amounts (more than 3.5 %) of all the three metals. The percentage of lead never fell below 2 per cent. Low proportions of tin or lead might have been used to improve fluidity and the ease in deoxidation of copper melt. Thus Swarnakamal's claim that Gujarat introduced specific alloys such as zinc bronze, lead bronze, lead brass and actual brass in specific periods and locations cannot be supported on the basis of the presently available data; more data are essential before any firm conclusion can be reached on this point.