Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c44.s5.t1.14

v2.c44.s5.t1.14

Some of the new names for metals and alloys are found in the *Amarakośa*: *kupyam* — base metal, *aśmasāra* — iron, *kusī* — wrought iron, *pārada/capala* — mercury, *thuṇa* — iron statue, *vaṅga* — tin. It may be noted that the famous *thuṇa* or iron pillar of Delhi was made in the Gupta era. Tin had a new name *vaṅga* (Bengal); it is significant that tin-based bronzes were being made in the Bengal area (Nālandā, etc.) using Hazārībāgh tin ore or the metal imported from Malaysia. *Ārakūṭa* continued to stand for brass. *Riti* meant brass as well as rust or calx of brass. *Caraka Saṃhitā* had used the same word *riti* and recommended its medicinal use. *Ritipuṣpam* meant flower-like substance from heated brass.