Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c42.s4: On Rāmāyaṇa
Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c42.s4
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On Rāmāyaṇa
v2.c42.s4.1
The above discussion on the Mahābhārata clearly shows that its references to the minerals and metals and various products indicate that the text of the epic was continually expanded over the centuries. Some of the specific portions of the text can be identified with specific periods in the Indian history.
v2.c42.s4.2
The Rāmāyaṇa contains a much shorter list of minerals and metals probably because this epic itself is much shorter, and has been spared from the later-day interpolations. Like the other epic, the Rāmāyaṇa also must have been compiled in the present form during the Historical period and contains the usual references to the widely used minerals and metals.
v2.c42.s4.3
The Sundara Kāṇḍa of this epic refers to vaidūrya or beryl (3.9), vajra (diamond), sphatika (quartz), muktā or pearl (3.10), indranīla, mahānīla or sapphire (9.16), vidruma or coral (9.17), etc. The metals mentioned are: ayasa (2.40.23), kālāyasa or iron (5.41.12), kāmsya, bell-metal or brass (3.29.20; 4.50.34), copper (4.23.20), lead and tin (1.37.20) etc.
Linked texts (1)
- Vālmīkirāmāyaṇa — Vālmīki, Sanskrit