Iron in Ancient India c9.s3.1

c9.s3.1

We would now proceed to describe the traditional Indian method of manufacturing steel—"the ondanique of Marco Polo—which supplied many a true blade girded by Asiatic conquerors of yore, and may be said to have overthrown dynasties and established empires." It has already been said that Indian steel was in great demand in the Middle Ages not only in Asia but also in Europe, and many attempts at imitation were naturally made by Europeans though unsuccessfully. Mr. Henry Wilkinson informs us in this connection that "with respect to the various