Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s2.1

v2.c41.s2.1

The Arthaśāstra clearly reveals that the then India was no longer a cluster of small-sized states, but had grown to be a big nation. Earlier accustomed to the trade-routes across the Himalayas, the North Indian empire now opened up its trade-links with the South, specially to acquire pearl, conch-shell, diamond, ruby and gold (7.12.22-24). The South was the land of the sandalwood (2.11.43). The best elephants and therefore best ivory came from the east viz, Aṅga and Kaliṅga (Assam and Ōrissa) (2.2.15).