Archeology
Ancient Indian metallurgy: Scientific insights from classical texts and archaeological evidence
Harendra Dudi1, Mohit Gour1, Pranjal Shukla2, Govind Maurya3
- 1Maharshi Dayananda Saraswati University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
- 2Department of Chemistry, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- 3CISTS, HSS, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Journal / conference
- Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 115
- Published
- 1 May 2026
- Citations
- 0
Abstract
This study explores the evolution of India's metallurgical knowledge, which may open promising avenues. Beginning with the Indus Valley Civilisation, the archaeological evidence and classical Indian texts are explored and analysed in a modern purview. Indian artisans exhibited remarkable expertise in metallurgy and achieved significant advancements in metal extraction, purification, smelting, annealing, casting, alloying, etc. They established fundamental concepts that are still relevant in contemporary scientific and industrial frameworks. Notable metallurgical achievements—such as the production of copper idols, zinc alloys, Wootz steel, and corrosion-resistant iron—demonstrate the artisans' sophisticated command over materials and processes. The research highlights how these innovations were integrated into the broader technological and cultural development of India.
Keywords
- Archaeological evidence
- Documentary evidence
- Archaeological science
- Scientific evidence