History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c37.s1.14

c37.s1.14

Saltpetre has been in use in India from a very early time as the basis of rocket and other fireworks. In the Dasakumaracharita by Dandi (circa 6th century A.D.) mention is made of *yogavartika* (magic wick) and *yogachurna* (magic powder), of which saltpetre was probably the basis. The earliest account of the manufacture of saltpetre on a commercial scale in India, that has come to our notice, occurs in a work entitled, *The Travels of John Albert de Mandelso from Persia into the East Indies*, London, 1669. It describes the process as follows :