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Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c42.s5: Buddhist Literature Sources

Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c42.s5

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Buddhist Literature Sources

v2.c42.s5.1

The major portions of the two epics were compiled during the Maurya Period. During this era the Pāli canons were also recorded in writing. This fact is reflected in the similar references related to minerals and metals in India. Some specific points may however be noted.

v2.c42.s5.2

The Buddhist literature mentioned seven kinds of jewels or ratna: suvanna (gold), rajata (silver), muttā (pearl), veluriya (beryl), vajra (diamond), pravāla (coral) and maṇi or miscellaneous gems (Milinda, Vol.1, p. 267, Jātaka, Vol. 6, p. 480). Different kinds of loṇa or lavaṇa or salts mentioned are: samuddaloṇa, kālaloṇa, saindhavaloṇa, sovirka, etc. loṇakāras used to process salts. Decorative pigments or añjanas were widely used. Five kinds were mentioned: kālā, seta, rasa, geruka and kappila (Dīgha Nikāya, Vol.1, pp.7, 12; Jātaka, Vol.1, p.194; Vol.2, p.369; Vol.5, p.416).

v2.c42.s5.3

Aṅguttara Nikāya (Vol.3, p.116) recognised five kinds of metal or jātarūpa: ayo (iron), loho (copper), tipu (tin), sisā (lead) and sajjha (silver). Knife and needle (sūci) made of iron were mentioned. Dhammapada Atthakathā referred to gold-brick, gold-plate and vessels of gold, silver, copper and bronze or kāmsa It also mentioned (Vol.1, p.79) about the traders or kāmsakuta who cheated with false metals, i.e., selling brass metals for gold. Brass is yellow like gold, and this reference shows that not only bronze, but brass also was indicated by the word kāmsa.

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