Iron in Ancient India c4.s1.1

c4.s1.1

In the Brāhmans and Upanishads, which belong to Vedic literature though later in date than the Vedas, the latest date of their composition being 800 B.C. to 500 B.C., we find that the word 'ayas' has been completely differentiated into 'kṛiṣṇāyas' or black metal and 'lohitāyas' or red metal. Iron is thus referred to as 'kṛiṣṇāyas' or 'kārṣṇāyas' in Chāndogya Upanishad IV, 17, 7; VI, 1, 5; in Jaimini Upanishad Brāhmana III, 17, 3, in Taittiriya Brāhmana III, 62, 6, 5 and other places.¹ The distinction between iron and copper is explicit and complete.