Copper in Ancient India c8.s1.2

c8.s1.2

The most remarkable of these ancient specimens of copper is a big solid copper bolt found in the Rāmpurwā Asoka pillar near the frontiers of the Kingdom of Nepal. Mr. H. B. W. Garrick has presented this remarkable copper bolt to the Indian Museum, Calcutta, where it has been kept in the Archaeological Section. It was evidently employed in fastening the colossal lion-shaped stone capital to the pillar itself. The bolt is barrel-shaped in appearance slightly tapering at the two ends. It is 24½ inches long, circumference at the centre being 14 inches and at the sides about 12 inches. "The copper is exquisitely worked into shape apparently with hammer slight marks of which are still visible and altogether is a surprising piece of metal work for so early an age, for I doubt not that this bolt is the original one placed in the pillar simultaneously with its erection being so true in form".¹ The metal is pure copper and not bronze. I have seen this massive piece of copper work and would fully subscribe to the eulogium bestowed on it by Mr. Garrick.