Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c44.s5.t2.8

v2.c44.s5.t2.8

*Bṛhat Saṃhitā* described several preparations of cements or powders called *vajra-lepa*, characterised as ‘paints or coatings as strong as *vajra* or diamond’. The various recipes included concentrated aqueous extracts of plant products rich in gummy and resinous substances, levigated powder of lac, resins, gummy fruits, concentrated extract of animal matters rich in glue or gelatine, etc. (*Br. Sam.*, 57.1-7). These were used as cements in temple architecture.