Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c40.s1.1

v2.c40.s1.1

Pāṇini recognised that the word khan or to dig (well, mine etc.) had appeared in the Chandas or the Vedic literature. He explained (3.2.67) the genesis of the derivative words ākhanika and khanitra meaning a spade. Mani-prastāra (3.3.32) or scattering or vein of gems was recorded as an important mineralogical information. The commercial importance of mining during Pāṇini’s time is revealed from his discussion on ākarika (4.3.75) which meant miner, mining officer as well as mining revenue.