Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s13.2

v2.c41.s13.2

The references to the South Indian gems and red corals from the West have induced some scholars to suggest that the *Arthaśāstra* was compiled in the post-Christian era after the Indo-Roman trade on precious gems and metals had begun. This view is unacceptable since it is well recorded that centuries before Indo-Roman trade contact, King Aśoka had cultural and trade contacts with Sri Lanka, Persia, Syria etc.