Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c42.s2.t1.2

v2.c42.s2.t1.2

References to *vaidūrya* or beryl (1.143.23; 2.48.30; 3.39.17; 4.36.39, etc.) clearly show that this part of *Mahābhārata* was composed after fifth century BC. The Vedic literatures do not mention beryl, and the first time this is introduced in the Sanskrit literature is by Pāṇini. The epic *Mahābhārata* itself refers to the South Indian topography which yielded beryl and other gems during the Historical Period: