Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s9.3

v2.c41.s9.3

Another Greek word oreichalcos, denoting brass or the copper-zinc alloy, was probably converted to ārakūṭa during the time of Kauṭilya. Although some copper artefacts, discovered in the archaeological sites of Lothal and Atrañjikherā (2000 and 1000 BC respective dates), contained zinc, the actual manufacture of zinc in India must have strated around 400 BC in Taxilā. The Arthaśāstra’s references to ārakūṭa (2.12.23; 2.17.14; 4.1.35) and to red lead gāndhāra (2.14.35), a product from Gāndhāra, testify the author’s familiarity with the North-West India of the period fourth century before Christ. The author was most likely Cāṇakya or Viṣṇugupta himself.