Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s1.6

v2.c41.s1.6

Gold, silver, diamonds, gems, pearls, corals, conch-shells, metals, salt and ores derived from the earth, rocks and liquids were recognised as materials coming under the purview of mines (2.6.4). The Superintendent of Mines was supposed to be an expert in mineralogy, smelting and colouring gems (2.12.1) and to establish factories for the above items and also derivatives like the caustic alkali (2.12.27). The metallic ores had to be sent to the respective Metal Works for producing ‘twelve kinds of metals and commodities’ (2.12.23 & 35-36). From the mines and the metal works had to be collected ‘the price, the share, the surcharge, the monopoly tax, penalty, duty, compensation, fine, inspection fee and manufacturing charges’ (2.12.35-36). Thus the state was supposed to have complete control over the mineral resources.