Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c28.s8.t5.22

v1.c28.s8.t5.22

The earliest textual reference to gilding in India is to be found in Kauṭilya’s *Arthaśāstra* (2.13.44-47) in which *tvaṣṭrkarmaṇaḥ* (gold-plating) on copper is recommended through the use of *vālukāhiṅgulukasya rasa* (the juice of cinnabar or mercury). We have mentioned about the first century BC thickly gilt inscribed brass urn from Wardak, Kabul.