History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c15.s2.10

c15.s2.10

Copper plates have been in use in India from a very early time. Large copper plates were used in those days in ceremonies associated with the grants of lands by kings to Brahmins and others. Some of these have been found to weigh several pounds. As an illustration, mention may be made of one of the earliest copper plates, Sohgaura plate, discovered in the village of Sohgaura in the Gorakhpur district of the Uttar Pradesha. The inscription on the plate in Mauryan Brahmi script suggests that it must be a product of the 3rd century B.C. The material, however, does not seem to be pure copper, but an alloy of the metal. Other instances of such plates are furnished by those found at Taxila and those bearing the inscription of the Kushan king, Kanishka. Copper utensils have also been used in India from remote times, particularly in connection with religious ceremonies, as the metal copper was held to be sacred by the ancient Hindus. We find their mention in the writings of Megasthenes (3rd century B.C) and of the Hindu Law-giver Manu (early Christian era). Copper caskets for the preservation of relics have also been found buried under stupas and monasteries of ancient times. The metal is not always pure copper but an alloy of the same.