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# Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c51: Appendix E: Some Technical Words in the Post-Christian Era Indian Literature Related to Minerals and Metals

Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c51

- **Language:** English

### Appendix E: Some Technical Words in the Post-Christian Era Indian Literature Related to Minerals and Metals

### [v2.c51.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.2)

\*Akik\* : agate \*Adrija\* : bitumen \*Abhraka\* : mica \*Amla\* : acid \*Arka\* : sunstone \*Aśmasāra\* : metallic extract, pig iron (?) \*Ājiva\* : alloying element to harden \*Ārakūṭa\* : brass \*Indragopa\* : golden beryl or zircon (?) \*Indranīla\* : sapphire \*Utpala\* : greenish-blue aquamarine \*Audbhida\* : plant ash alkali \*Kajjali\* : cinnabar \*Kankuṣṭha\* : tin ore (?) \*Kankuṣṭam\* : purgative soil with Mg/Na sulphate \*Kaṃsa\* : bronze, bell-metal \*Kaṃsa-Mākṣika\* : coarse grained arseno-pyrite \*Karuṇḍaka\* : crimson-yellow ruby

### [v2.c51.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.3)

\*Karketana\* : chrysoberyl

### [v2.c51.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.4)

\*Karpūrarasa\* : calomel or mercuric chloride

### [v2.c51.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.5)

\*Karmānta\* : factory

### [v2.c51.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.6)

\*Kākatunḍi\* : leaded-brass turning black with acid

### [v2.c51.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.7)

\*Kāntaloha\* : iron from magnetite

### [v2.c51.8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.8)

\*Kāmksi\* : alum

### [v2.c51.9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.9)

\*Kāmsya\* : bronze/bell-metal

### [v2.c51.10](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.10)

\*Kāmsya Vimala\* : arseno-pyrite or löllingite

### [v2.c51.11](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.11)

\*Kāravellaka\* : non-laminated zinc ore

### [v2.c51.12](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.12)

\*Kāsīsa\* : green vitriol or ferrous sulphate

### [v2.c51.13](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.13)

\*Kiṭṭa\* : dross

### [v2.c51.14](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.14)

\*Kuṭila\* : tin

### [v2.c51.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.15)

\*Kuruvinda\* : corundum

### [v2.c51.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.16)

\*Kṛśan\* : conch-pearl

### [v2.c51.17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.17)

\*Kṣāra\* : alkali

### [v2.c51.18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.18)

\*Khaṭikā / Khaṭi\* : steatite chalk

### [v2.c51.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.19)

\*Khani\* : mine

### [v2.c51.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.20)

\*Khanija\* : mineral

### [v2.c51.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.21)

\*Kharpara\* : zinc ore, calamine, sphalerite (?)

### [v2.c51.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.22)

\*Gandhaka\* : sulphur

### [v2.c51.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.23)

\*Garuḍodgāra\* : emerald

### [v2.c51.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.24)

\*Galu\* : gem

### [v2.c51.25](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.25)

\*Gāndhāra\* : red lead

### [v2.c51.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.26)

\*Gārutmata\* : emerald

### [v2.c51.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.27)

\*Gairika\* : red ochre, hydrated iron oxide

### [v2.c51.28](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.28)

\*Gomeda\* : zircon, hyacinth, jacinth

### [v2.c51.29](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.29)

\*Ghoṣa\* : bell-metal; 20 p.c. tin in copper, makes sound

### [v2.c51.30](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.30)

\*Candrakānta\* : special feldspar, cloudstone (?)

### [v2.c51.31](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.31)

\*Capala\* : quick-melting tin or bismuth ore

### [v2.c51.32](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.32)

\*Cīnāmāti\* : China-clay or Kaolin

### [v2.c51.33](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.33)

\*Cuṇī\\*\* : ruby, from \*cūrṇikā\* or small ruby

### [v2.c51.34](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.34)

\*Cunā Pāthar\\*\* : limestone, produces \*cūṇa\* or lime

### [v2.c51.35](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.35)

\*Culikā Lavaṇa\* : sal ammoniac

### [v2.c51.36](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.36)

\*Jabarjad\\*\* : Olivine, peridot

### [v2.c51.37](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.37)

\*Jawharmuhra\\*\* : jade

### [v2.c51.38](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.38)

\*Jāmīrā\\*\* : purple amethyst; quartz with Mn

### [v2.c51.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.39)

\*Jārana\* : amalgamation

### [v2.c51.40](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.40)

\*Tankana\* : borax

### [v2.c51.41](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.41)

\*Tāmḍi, Tāmrya, Tāmri\* : garnet, carbuncle

### [v2.c51.42](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.42)

\*Tāmra\* : copper

### [v2.c51.43](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.43)

\*Tāra\* : silver

### [v2.c51.44](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.44)

\*Tārāmaṇi\* : star sapphire

### [v2.c51.45](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.45)

\*Tārkṣya\* : emery or corundum with iron

### [v2.c51.46](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.46)

\*Tāla\* : orpiment, bell-metal

### [v2.c51.47](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.47)

\*Tālaka\* : orpiment

### [v2.c51.48](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.48)

\*Tikṣṇa\* : steel, carburised iron

### [v2.c51.49](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.49)

\*Tikṣṇa Dhātu\* : iron ore

### [v2.c51.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.50)

\*Tutthaka, Tnute\\*\* : blue vitriol, CuSO₄

### [v2.c51.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.51)

\*Tuvārī\* : alum

### [v2.c51.52](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.52)

\*Trapu\* : tin

### [v2.c51.53](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.53)

\*Darada\* : cinnabar

### [v2.c51.54](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.54)

\*Dastā\\*\* : zinc

### [v2.c51.55](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.55)

\*Durdura\* : flaky laminated zinc ore

### [v2.c51.56](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.56)

\*Drāvaṇavarga\* : flux

### [v2.c51.57](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.57)

\*Dhātu\* : metal and metal-bearing ore

### [v2.c51.58](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.58)

\*Navasāra\* : potassium chloride/carbonate fertiliser

### [v2.c51.59](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.59)

\*Nāga\* : lead \*Nikaṣya\* : streak-plate \*Nirvāpa\* : quenching \*Nīla / Nīlakānta\* : sapphire \*Nīlagandhi\* : red ruby with a blue tint \*Nīlāñjana\* : stibnite or carrollite \*Padmarāga\* : ruby \*Pānnā\* : emerald \*Pārada\* : mercury \*Pāribhadra\* : aquamarine \*Pālaṅka\* : onyx \*Pitala / Pitatāla\* : brass \*Pilu\\*\* : jade \*Puttika\* : olivine, peridot \*Pulaka\* : garnet? \*Puṣparāga\* : topaz \*Puṣyarāga\* : topaz \*Pūtiloha\* : low m.p. metals \*Peroja\\*/Piroja\\*\* : turquoise \*Pokhrāj\\*\* : topaz \*Pogara\* : cementite streaks in carburised iron \*Pravāla\* : coral \*Phatki\\*/Phullikā\* : alum \*Bālasūryaka\* : spinel balas-ruby \*Billaur\\*\* : quartz (or velur/beryl?) \*Bīja\* : alloying element to harden \*Bhastrā\* : bellow \*Bhidura\* : diamond \*Bhiṣma\* : quartz or chalcedony ? \*Makaradhvaja\* : mercuric sulphide

### [v2.c51.60](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.60)

\*Maṇi\* : gem \*Maṇirāga\* : imparting colour to gem \*Maṇḍūra\* : rust of iron \*Manaḥśilā\* : realgar \*Marakata\* : emerald \*Marmara\* : marble \*Masāra\* : emerald (from Misar / Egypt?) \*Mākṣika\* : pyrite \*Mākṣika Kaṃsa\* : arsenopyrite \*Mākṣika Tāra\* : pyrite \*Mākṣika Svarṇa\* : chalcopyrite \*Mākṣika Hema\* : chalcopyrite \*Māṇikya\* : gem, ruby \*Māraṇa\* : incineration, oxidation of metal \*Mārjārākṣa\* : cat’s eye, chrysoberyl \*Miśraloha\* : alloy \*Muktā\* : pearl \*Muṇḍaloha\* : wrought iron \*Mūṣā\* : crucible \*Mṛddārāśṛṅga\* : anglesite or litharge, yellow PbO \*Yaśada\* : zinc \*Yaśadāyaka\* : zinc \*Yaśam\* : jade \*Yukta\* : alloy \*Rajata\* : silver \*Ranga, Rung\* : tin \*Rasa\* : mercury, liquid or melt \*Rasaka\* : zinc metal or ore, calamine \*Rasakarpūra\* : mercuric chloride \*Rasapāka\* : smelting of ores to liquid state \*Rasasindūra\* : mercuric sulphide \*Rasāñjana\* : stibnite or mercuric sulphide \*Rājāvarta, Lajward\\*\* : lapis lazuli \*Rāng\\*\* : tin \*Ritikā\* : malleable alpha-brass \*Rīti\* : brass, calx of brass \*Rukham\\*\* : alabaster \*Rudhirākṣa\* : carnelian \*Reh\\*\* : soil containing sodium sulphate and bicarbonate \*Raupya\* : silver \*Raupyamal\* : calx of silver \*Lavaṇa\* : salt \*Lasuniyā\\*\* : garlic-like chrysoberyl, cat’s eye \*Loha\* : metal ‘which is extracted’ \*Lohavedha\* : metallic transformation \*Lohitākṣa\* : carnelian \*Lauha\* : iron \*Lauha Kānta\* : magnetic iron \*Lauha Tikṣṇa\* : carburised iron, steel \*Lauha Muṇḍa\* : wrought iron \*Vajra\* : diamond \*Vaṅga\* : tin \*Vaṃśamuktā\* also \*Vaṃśa-Locana, Tvakṣāra\* : bamboo-pearl \*Varanāga\* : ‘lead-like antimony’, alloy of Sb/Fe \*Varaloha\* : Cu/Fe alloy \*Varātikā\* : marine nodule \*Vartaloha\* : alloy of five metals : Cu/Fe/Pb/brass and bell-metal. Also known as \*Pañcaloha\* \*Vahṇimṛttikā\* : fire-clay

### [v2.c51.61](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.61)

Viḍalavaṇa : reacting black salt, ‘kills’ gold Viduraka : chrysoberyl, cat’s eye Vidruma : coral Vimala, Vimalaka : pyrite Vimala Kāmsya : arsenopyrite Vimala Tāra : pyrite Vimala Hema : chalcopyrite Veḷuriya\* : beryl Vellaka : silver-iron alloy Vaikṛntaka : magnetic iron or iron from magnetite Vaikṛntakadhātu : magnetite Vaikrānta : tourmaline Vaidūrya : beryl Vaidūrya Nila : aquamarine Śaṅkha : conch-shell Śastra : steel, weapon Śastrapāna : quench-hardening of śastra Śilā : rock, realgar Śilājatu : bitumen Śukti : oyster Śulva : copper, underground vein of metallic ore Śulva-Ari or Śulvāri : sulphur, ‘killer’ of copper Śulvanāga : Cu/Pb alloy Śeṣa : onyx Śodhana : purification Śorā/Sorā : saltpetre KNO₃ Satva/Sattva : metallic essence in an ore Satvapātana : extraction of metal Sarjikā Kṣāra/Sarjikā Mṛttikā : river-bed alkaline soil with Na₂SO₄/NaHCO₃

### [v2.c51.62](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.62)

\*Sasyaka\* : blue vitriol or CuSO₄ \*Sīsaja\* : red lead \*Sīsā\* : lead \*Surmā\* : collyrium, stibnite \*Sulemānī\* : onyx \*Suvarcikā\* : borax \*Suvarṇa\* : gold \*Sūryakānta\* : sunstone \*Sonelā\* : yellow quartz with iron oxide. False topaz. \*Sohtā\* : carrollite \*Sohāgā\* : borax \*Saugandhika\* : yellowish-red spinel ruby \*Saubhāgya\* : borax \*Saubhirāñjana\* : stibnite \*Saubhrācala/Sauvarcala\* : alkaline sochal salt; borax or saltpetre (?) \*Saurāṣṭraja\* : alum \*Snapana\* : quenching \*Sphaṭika\* : quartz \*Sravanmadhya\* : asteriated or star sapphire \*Srotāñjana\* : carrollite \*Svarṇa\* : gold \*Svarṇa Mākṣika\* : chalcopyrite \*Harā Kāśīsa\* : green vitriol FeSO₄ \*Haritāla\* : orpiment (Also löllingite?) \*Harinmaṇi\* : emerald \*Hingula\* : cinnabar \*Hīraka/Hīrā\* : diamond

### [v2.c51.63](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.63)

∗ indicates non-Sanskritic words.

### [v2.c51.64](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.64)

Agrawal, D.P. and Chakrabarti, D.K. (eds.), \*Essays in Indian Proto-history\*, B.R. Publishing Corporation, Delhi, 1979.

### [v2.c51.65](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.65)

Agrawala, V.S., \*India as known to Panini\*, University of Lucknow, 1953.

### [v2.c51.66](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.66)

Amarsimha, \*Nāmaliṅgānuśāsanam\* or \*Amarakośa\*, ed. by T. Ganapati Sastri, Trivandrum, also by C.D. Deshmukh, Uppal Publishing House, New Delhi, 1981.

### [v2.c51.67](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.67)

\*Angavijjā\* of Puvvāyariya, ed. by Munipuṇyavijaya, Prakrit Grantha Parishad, Varanasi, 1957.

### [v2.c51.68](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.68)

Bauer, Max, \*Precious Stones\*, 2 volumes, Dover Publications, New York, 1968.

### [v2.c51.69](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.69)

Bhat, M.R. (ed.), \*Bṛhat Saṃhitā\* of Varāhamihira, 2 volumes, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1987.

### [v2.c51.70](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.70)

Bhisagratna, K.L. (ed.), \*Suśruta Saṃhitā\*, 3 volumes, Chowkhamba Sanskrit Studies, Varanasi, 1981.

### [v2.c51.71](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.71)

Biswas, A.K., \*Science in India\*, Firma KLM Private Ltd., Calcutta, 1969.

### [v2.c51.72](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.72)

Bose, D.M., Sen, S.N., and Subbarayappa, B.V. (eds.), \*A Concise History of Science in India\*, Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, 1971.

### [v2.c51.73](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.73)

Chattopadhyaya, Debiprasad, \*Science and Society in Ancient India\*, Research Indian Publication, Calcutta, 1977.

### [v2.c51.74](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.74)

—, (ed.), \*Studies in the History of Science in India\*, 2 volumes, Editorial Enterprises, New Delhi, 1982.

### [v2.c51.75](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.75)

—, \*History of Science and Technology in Ancient India — The Beginning\*, Firma KLM Private Ltd., Calcutta, 1986.

### [v2.c51.76](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.76)

—, \*History of Science and Technology in Ancient India. II. Formation of the Theoretical Fundamentals of Natural Science\*, Firma KLM Pvt. Ltd., Calcutta, 1991.

### [v2.c51.77](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.77)

Dana, E.S., \*A Textbook of Mineralogy\*, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1961.

### [v2.c51.78](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.78)

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### [v2.c51.79](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.79)

Danielon, Allain, \*Shilappadikaram\* (The Ankle Bracelet) by Prince Ilango Adigal, London, 1967.

### [v2.c51.80](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.80)

Finot, Louis, \*Les Lapidaires Indiens\*, Paris, 1896, French translation with original texts of Buddhabhaṭṭa’s \*Ratnaparīkṣā\*, Varāhamihira’s \*Bṛhatsaṃhitā\*, Agastimata, \*Navaratnaparīkṣā\*, Agastiya \*Ratnaparīkṣā\*, \*Ratnasaṃgraha\*, \*Laghu Ratnaparīkṣā\* and \*Maṇimāhātmya\*.

### [v2.c51.81](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.81)

Gupta, S.P., and Ramachandran, K.S. (eds.), \*Mahābhārata, Myth and Reality\*, New Delhi, 1976.

### [v2.c51.82](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.82)

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### [v2.c51.83](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.83)

Kangle, R.P., \*The Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra\*, 3 volumes, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1986.

### [v2.c51.84](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.84)

Katre, S.M., \*Dictionary of Panini\*, 3 volumes, Deccan College, Pune, 1968.

### [v2.c51.85](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.85)

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### [v2.c51.86](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.86)

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### [v2.c51.87](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.87)

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### [v2.c51.88](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.88)

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### [v2.c51.89](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.89)

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### [v2.c51.90](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.90)

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### [v2.c51.91](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.91)

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### [v2.c51.92](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.92)

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### [v2.c51.93](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.93)

Pingree, David, (tr. and ed.), \*The Yavanajātaka of Sphujidhvaja\*, 2 volumes, Harvard University Press, 1978.

### [v2.c51.94](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.94)

Polyakov, L., \*The Aryan Myth\*, Basic Books, New York, 1974.

### [v2.c51.95](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.95)

Possehl, G.L. (ed.), \*Harappan Civilization\*, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co., Delhi, 1982.

### [v2.c51.96](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.96)

Ray, Amita and Mukherjee Samir (eds.), \*Historical Archaeology of India\*, Books and Books, New Delhi, 1990.

### [v2.c51.97](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.97)

Ray, Prafulla Chandra and Kaviratna, Haris Chandra, \*Rasārṇava\*, The Asiatic Society, Calcutta, 1985.

### [v2.c51.98](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.98)

Ray, Priyadaranjan (ed.), \*History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India\*, Indian Chemical Society, Calcutta, 1956, incorporating \*History of Hindu Chemistry\*, 1908 by Ray, Prafulla Chandra.

### [v2.c51.99](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.99)

Sarma, S.R., (ed. and tr.), \*Rayaṇaparikkhā\* of Ṭhakkura Pherū, Viveka Publication, Aligarh, 1984.

### [v2.c51.100](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.100)

Seal, Brajendranath, \*The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus\*, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1985.

### [v2.c51.101](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.101)

Sharma, R.K., and Dash, B., (ed. and tr.), \*Caraka Saṃhitā\*, 2 volumes, Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, 1983.

### [v2.c51.102](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.102)

Sharma, R.S., \*Material Culture and Social Formation in Ancient India\*, New Delhi, 1983.

### [v2.c51.103](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.103)

Shatstri, A.M., \*India as seen in the Bṛhatsaṃhitā of Varāhamihira\*, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1969.

### [v2.c51.104](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.104)

Suryakant, \*Vaidik Koś\*, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 1963.

### [v2.c51.105](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.105)

Tagore, S.M., \*Maṇimālā\*, 2 volumes, Calcutta, 1879.

### [v2.c51.106](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.106)

Vasu, Śrīśa Chandra, (ed. and tr.), \*The Aṣṭādhyāyī of Pāṇini\*, 2 volumes, Motilal Banarsidass, 1962.

### [v2.c51.107](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.107)

Alchemy, related to \*Rasaśāstra\* texts, 143-46 Alloys, in \*Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra\*, 49-50 in \*RRS\*, 162-64 \*Amarakośa\*, 137 \*Aṅgavijjā\*, 135-36 Archaeology, and Indian history, 177-78 related to \*Mahābhārata\*, 59-60 \*Arthaśāstra\* of Kauṭilya, 39-55: authorship, 39-40 date, 39-40 technical terms related to minerals and metals, 235-41 \*Āryans\*, 5-6 \*Aṣṭādhyāyī\* of Pāṇini, 30-38 technical terms related to minerals and metals, 221-34 \*Ayas\*, 8-9, 17-22

### [v2.c51.108](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.108)

Beryl, in \*Ratnaśāstra\*, 81-85 Beryllium, germs containing, in \*Ratnaśāstra\*, 81-89 \*Bhisma\*, a gem, 98

### [v2.c51.109](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.109)

Brass, in \*Rasaratnasamuccaya\*, 174 \*Bṛhatsaṃhitā\*, 137-40 Buddhist literature, minerals and metals in, 66

### [v2.c51.110](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.110)

\*Candrakānta\*, 103-04 \*Caraka Saṃhitā\*, 127 Categorisation of gems, 71-75 Chalcedony, group of gems, 98-102 Chalcolithic transition, 6-7 Chrysolite, 104 Coins, in \*Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra\*, 50 in Pāṇini’s \*Aṣṭādhyāyī\*, 32-33 Coral, 107-10 Corundum, 78-81 Cosmology, in the Vedic literature, 16

### [v2.c51.111](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.111)

Diamond, in \*Ratnaśāstra\*, 75-78 Director of Metals, in \*Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra\*, 50-51 Director of Mines, in \*Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra\*, 41-42

### [v2.c51.112](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.112)

Emerald, 84-89 Epics, minerals and metals in, 57-66 post-Christian era additions in, 64-65 Extractive Metallurgy in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 30-31

### [v2.c51.113](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.113)

Feldspar group of gems, 103-04 Ferrous materials, in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 167-71 Fire, in Ṛgvedic metallurgy, 7-8 Furnaces, in the Vedic literature, 16-17

### [v2.c51.114](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.114)

Garnet, 90-92 Gems, categories of-, 71-75 in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 42-45 in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 155-56 in Ṛgveda, 10-11 in Vedic literatures, 24-25 scientific information on, 199-211 scientific knowledge of-, in Ratnaśāstra, 121 Gemmology texts, 69-123 Gold, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 49-50 in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 32-33 in Vedic literature, 20-22 Gupta era Rasaśāstra literature, 135-36

### [v2.c51.115](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.115)

Iatrochemical texts, 148-49 Indranila, 78-81 Inorganic materials in Vedic literature, 22-24 Iron, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 52-53 in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 174-76 in Vedic literature, 22

### [v2.c51.116](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.116)

Jade, 102-03

### [v2.c51.117](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.117)

Kāntaloha, 174-76 Kārṣāpaṇa, 33-35 Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, see Arthaśāstra Kuruvinda, 78-81

### [v2.c51.118](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.118)

Lapis lazuli, 105-07 Lājāvarta, 105-07 Lead, in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 173 in Vedic literature, 19-20 Less common form of pearls, 111-14

### [v2.c51.119](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.119)

Mahābhārata and archaeology, 59-60 Mahārasas, 156-58 Marakata, 84-89 Metallic ores, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 46-49 Metals, in Buddhist literatures, 66 in epics, 57-66 in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 39-56 in Mahābhārata, 60-65 in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 31-32 in Rāmāyaṇa, 65-66 in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 153-55, 162-64 in \*Ṛgveda\*, 5-13 specially, 9-10 in Vedic literatures, 16-23, specially, 18-22 Mine, in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 30 Mineral engineering, in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 30 Mineral resources, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 41-42 Minerals, in Buddhist literatures, 66 in Epics, 57-66 in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 39-56 in Mahābhārata, 60-65 in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 31-32 in Rāmāyaṇa, 65-66 in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 153-55 in \*Ṛgveda\*, 5-13 in Vedic literature, 16-25 scientific information on, 199-211 Minting coins, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 50 \*Muktā\*, 110-20, \*also see\* pearl \*Muṇḍaloha\*, 174-76

### [v2.c51.120](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.120)

Nāgārjuna, 130-33 Natural products, in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 161-62 Neolithic to chalcolithic transition in \*Ṛgveda\*, 6-7 Non-gem minerals, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 45-46

### [v2.c51.121](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.121)

Ornament, in \*Ṛgveda\*, 10-11 Ornamental metals, in the Vedic literature, 20-22 Oyster pearl, 114-17

### [v2.c51.122](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.122)

\*Padmarāga\*, 78-81 Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 30-38 technical terms related to minerals and metals, 221-34 Patañjali, 129-30 Pearl, 110-20 less common forms of-, 111-14 market of-, 117-19 mythological theory related to origin of-, 119-20 origin of-, 119-20 oyster pearl, 114-17 \*Piroja\*, 105 Post-Christian era technical terms related to minerals and metals, 243-50 Potteries in Vedic literature, 22-24 \*Pravāla\*, 107-10 Precious metals, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 49-50 \*Pulaka\*, 92-94 \*Puṣparāga\*, 89-90 \*Puṣyarāga\*, 89-90

### [v2.c51.123](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.123)

Quartz family gem minerals, 95-97

### [v2.c51.124](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.124)

\*Rājāvarta\*, 105-7 Rāmāyaṇa, minerals and metals in, 65-66 \*Rasa\*, 164-7, also see Mahārasa and Uparasa Rasaka, 164-67 Rasaratnasamuccaya, minerals and metals in, 153-76 technical terms related to minerals and metals, 153-55 Rasārṇava, 146-48 Rasaśāstra, background of-, 125-40 some Sanskrit texts quoted in, 141-49 Ratnaśāstra, 69-123 scope of-, 75 some texts of-, 70 Ṛgveda, minerals and metals in, 5-13 Ruby, 78-81

### [v2.c51.125](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.125)

Salts, in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 161-62 Sapphire, 78-81 Sarasvati valley civilisation, 5-6 Śatamāna to Kārṣāpaṇa, 33-35 Scientific attitude in Ancient India, 179-85 Scientific informations on the minerals used during the ancient era, 199-211 Scientific knowledge about gems, 121 Scientific philosophy, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 54-55 Silver, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 49-50 in Vedic literature, 20-22 Steel, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 52-53 in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 174-76 Suryakānta, 103-4 Suśruta Saṃhitā, 127-29

### [v2.c51.126](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.126)

Tāntric alchemy, 143-46 Technical concepts in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 37-38 Technical terms, related to minerals and metals, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 235-41 in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 221-34 in Post-Christian era Indian literature, 243-50 in Ṛgveda, 213-20 in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 153-55 in Vedic literature, 218-20 Texts, of Rasaśāstra, 141-49 of Ratnaśāstra / Gemmology, 70 Tikṣaloha, in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra, 51-52 in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 174-76 Tin in Vedic literature, 18-19 Topaz, 89-90,104 Tourmaline, 90-92,94-95 Turquoise, 105

### [v2.c51.127](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.127)

Unit operation, in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 35-37 Uparasa materials in Rasaratnasamuccaya, 158-61

### [v2.c51.128](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.128)

Vaidūrya, 81-85 Vaikrantaka, 51-52 Vajra, 75-78 Vedic literatures related to minerals and metals, 16-25 Vṛtta, 51-52

### [v2.c51.129](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.129)

Words related to minerals and metals, in the \*Ṛgveda\*, 201-6 in the (other) Vedic literature, 218-20

### [v2.c51.130](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.130)

\*Yājñavalkya\*, 129-30

### [v2.c51.131](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.131)

\*Yavanajātaka\*, 133-34

### [v2.c51.132](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.132)

Zinc, in \*Rasaratnasamuccaya\*, 171-73 Zircon, 90-92

### [v2.c51.133](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51.133)

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## Cites (16)

- [Carakasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.samhita.caraka) — Agniveśa (Āyurveda) & Caraka, Sanskrit
- [Suśrutasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.samhita.susruta-school.susruta) — Suśruta & Nāgārjuna (siddha/alchemist), Sanskrit
- [Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.artha.kautilya) — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit
- [Rasaratnasamuccaya](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.rasa.samuccaya.pramukha.rasaratnasamuccaya) — Vāgbhaṭa (alchemist), Sanskrit
- [Aṣṭādhyāyī](https://indike.org/pramana/in.vedanga.vyakarana.astadhyayi-school.astadhyayi) — Pāṇini, Sanskrit
- [Bṛhatsaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.astro.samhita.rsi.brhatsamhita) — Varāhamihira, Sanskrit
- [Vṛddhayavanajātaka](https://indike.org/pramana/in.astro.hora.yavana.vrddhayavanajataka) — Mīnarāja, Sanskrit
- [Rasārṇava](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.rasa.siddha.rasarnava) — Sanskrit
- [Nāmaliṅgānuśāsana (Amarakośa)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.art.kosa.paryaya.amarakosa*bo) — Classical Tibetan
- [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit
- [Ṛgvedasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.samhita.rg) — Sanskrit
- [Vālmīkirāmāyaṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.ramayana.valmiki) — Vālmīki, Sanskrit
- [Aṃgavijjā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.painna.angavijja) — Māhārāṣṭrī Prakrit
- [Maṇimālā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.art.ratna.manimala) — Saurīndramohana Ṭhakkura, Sanskrit
- [Candra Kānta](https://indike.org/pramana/in.vernacular.bengali.pranayopakhyan.candrakanta) — Bengali
- [Buddhabhaṭṭīya](https://indike.org/pramana/in.art.ratna.buddhabhattiya) — Buddha, Sanskrit

---
Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c51) · Pramāṇa
