Indian Knowledge System of Materials in Science and Technology

his book is the outcome of a dedicated research study aimed at creating textbook materials and hands-on activities to introduce scholars to the Indian knowledge system. This book provides a comprehensive survey of engineering materials used in India throughout different historical periods, including the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. It explores how these materials were utilized for the construction of buildings, heritage sites, tools, weapons, artifacts, and more, after that, identification and explanation of the metallurgy, engineering, science, and technology involved in the articles. This followed by an introduction to the methods used in the separation and purification of materials from raw materials. It is also known that primitive tribes like the Asurs and Lohar had knowledge of metallurgy, including iron, copper, and gold. A detailed study was conducted on the metallurgical process of iron production, specifically focusing on the smelting furnace, construction, and operation methods employed by the Munda and Agaria tribes. The description of the ancient smithy products, crafts etc., developed by these tribes has been incorporated. Based on the detailed study of metallurgy, materials, and technologies within the context of the Indian knowledge system, this book suggests several alternative simple and more effective methods for the separation of materials keeping in mind economic, technological development and employment of this first world engineered tribes.