Copper in Ancient India c9.s1.11

c9.s1.11

In the supplementary paper referred to above Mr. Vincent A. Smith quotes Dr. Furer who states that "numbers of ancient metal arrow-points are found in the soil around Bithur (near Cownpore) said to be relics of the time of Ramchandra."² Presumably all these Bithur specimens are made of copper and not bronze, but no analysis of these specimens has been made. A similar collection of "metal arrow-heads" has been made in the great jhil or swamp in the village of Parior (Oudh), but they also seem to be made of copper and not bronze, though no analysis has been made of the specimens. It seems undoubted that the available specimens are not enough to establish an Indian bronze age. The reason why India missed a Bronze Age appears to be that as the use of iron was known from Vedic times the use of bronze as implements was not necessary. I agree in holding that the prevailing idea of the eastern origin of the bronze age must be dropped and as a matter of fact eastern countries like China did not also pass through a bronze age. It would interest readers to learn incidentally the extent of area in Europe in which the bronze age really prevailed. Canon Greenwell, the veteran archaeologist writes "Indeed it cannot be said that there was ever any real development of a bronze cultivation, except in Western Europe. Assyria and Egypt certainly did not possess one; nor can Greece, the Islands of Asia minor be said to have brought it to any high pitch, though there are splendid specimens such as the Mykenac blades. Still there is nothing like the fine swords, spear-heads &c. so abundant in the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Switzerland and Italy. Hungary developed it certainly, but further east and south it never reached to any height nor have many bronze weapons &c. been found in these countries. Spain too, is very poorly represented, which as it had much traffic with the Eastern Mediterranean, seems to point to the bronze culture not having come through that channel.”¹