Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c43.s4: Conclusion
Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c43.s4
- Language
- English
Conclusion
v2.c43.s4.1
We have narrated the salient points on the gem minerals as mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit texts. The chronological evolution of the concepts related to *Ratnaśāstra* or Indian gemmology is a vast subject which merits further historical research. We have presented merely a bird's-eye view on the subject.
v2.c43.s4.2
Looking from a late twentieth century viewpoint it is quite obvious that modern concepts on elements, molecules, physical properties etc. related to minerals were not yet known to the ancient gemmologists. As we would notice later, the concept of *sattva* or metal inherent in an ore was evolved in the *Rasaśāstra* texts, but this did not amount to conceptualisation of elements and chemical compounds in the modern sense. Gems were classified according to colour which was noted to be misleading in many cases, and hence the second property namely relative hardness was noted and utilised for the identification of specific gem minerals. In this chapter we have classified the gems according to hardness and discussed the same in that order of decreasing hardness, from diamond to pearl.
v2.c43.s4.3
In the case of samples supposed or expected to be diamond, specific gravity was considered an important property in view of the possible contamination with heavier minerals such as zircon. But it is doubtful whether accurate measurements of the specific gravity of gems were made in anicent India. Al-Biruni attempted some measurements (S.M.R. Ansari, ‘On the Physical Researches of Al-Biruni’, In Indian Journal of History of Science, Vol. 10, No.2, November 1975, pp. 198-217). The phenomenon of birefringence dvichāyā was known, but the concept of refractive index had not yet been evolved.
v2.c43.s4.4
Most of the authors of the Ratnaśāstra texts believed in, and recorded, the myth regarding the origin of the gems from different parts of the body of the slain demon Bala. Varāhamihira also mentioned about these myths, but it is doubtful whether he believed in them. In his Bṛhat Saṃhitā he hinted at a more scientific explanation :
v2.c43.s4.5
Gems, they say, were born of the bones of the demon Bala, while others state that they were born of sage Dadhīci, yet others declare that the wonderful variety of gems is caused by the characteristic qualities of the earth.
केचित् भुवः स्वभावाद् वैचित्र्यं प्राहुः उपलानाम्।
kecit bhuvaḥ svabhāvād vaicitryaṃ prāhuḥ uplānām ।
(Br. Sam., 80.3)
v2.c43.s4.6
Varāhamihira did support fresh thinking on scientific matters. This is evident from his bold advocacy for the modern theory of eclipses, negating the myth of Rāhu. However, he was much too respectful towards the ancient traditions to defy them absolutely. He also believed in astrology (besides astronomy) and prognostication. Thus, it is not surprising that his suggestion regarding the gems arising out of geological forces (rather than mythical events) was not seriously pursued either by himself or by his followers. To make matters worse, the castiest approach towards categorisation and use of gems became more entrenched with the passage of time.
Linked texts (1)
- Bṛhatsaṃhitā — Varāhamihira, Sanskrit