Copper and its Alloys in Ancient India

Here we will explore the historical significance of copper and its alloys in India, highlighting their diverse applications and the advanced metallurgical techniques employed in their extraction and utilization. The document begins by acknowledging the abundance of ancient copper specimens found in India, particularly utensils, which were often imbued with sanctity and used in religious ceremonies. Copper wires were also widely used in stringed instruments like the veena and violin.

Evidence of Copper Use in Ancient India

The document provides examples of significant copper artifacts discovered in India, including a colossal copper statue of Buddha, standing at seven and a half feet tall and weighing about a ton, found at Sultan Ganj in the ruins of an old Buddhist monastery. Another notable artifact is an 80-foot high brass statue of King Shiladitya, who ruled between 606 and 647 CE, reportedly witnessed by the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang near Nalanda. These findings demonstrate the extensive use of copper and its alloys in ancient India.

Copper Extraction and Alloys

The document references the Rasa-Ratna-Samuccaya, an ancient text that describes the extraction of copper and its use in Ayurvedic formulations. According to this text, there are two varieties of copper:

• Red variety: High purity (99.5%) and ductile.

• Black variety: Contains copper oxides and impurities like lead, tin, and zinc, making it hard and brittle.

The Rasa-Ratna-Samuccaya also details the process of copper extraction, which involves roasting the ore mineral at 750-900°C with lemon juice, adding borax as a flux, and melting the mixture at 1250°C in a four-stage process to obtain sulfide-free copper.

The document further discusses the use of copper alloys, particularly brass, in ancient India. Brass articles dating back to the 1st century BCE were found during excavations of ancient stupas. Hiuen Tsang's travel notes also indicate that Indians knew the method of preparing brass from a mixture of copper and calamine. Brass and bronze were commonly used in making statues of gods and goddesses during the Middle Ages.

Conclusion

Thus we have highlighted the continuous culture of using copper, extracting it, and creating alloys like brass and bronze for various purposes in India, ranging from idols and utensils to armor and warfare items. This evidence suggests a long-standing tradition of sophisticated metallurgical practices in India, showcasing the country's expertise in utilizing copper and its alloys.