Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s6.11
Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s6.11
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v2.c41.s6.11
Kangle (1986: Part II, p. 108 footnote) however quotes a view that *vaikṛntaka* could be an alloy or metal made in China. This could be nickel metal or nickel alloy. It may be recalled that during the third to first century BC, the Chinese copper-nickel alloy was used in Taxilā and north-west India for coinage, jewellery and fancy goods. This was known as *pai-t’ung* or *tutenag(ue)* or white copper. It is not certain whether *vaikṛntaka* metal was nickel or magnetite-based iron.