Marvels of Indian Iron Through the Ages

The book highlights the glorious tradition of iron making in India by describing the marvelous creations of Indian blacksmiths through the ages. The marvels provide concrete evidence of the exalted status of India's metallurgical knowledge in ancient and medieval times. Some basic ideas of ancient Indian iron metallurgy are presented in the first chapter. The book then deals with massive iron objects, with special reference to pillars and beams. The most famous example is the Delhi Iron Pillar. The technology of forge welded cannons and a catalogue of some of the massive indigenous iron cannons of the subcontinent are presented. The famous wootz steel of the Indian subcontinent is described in the last section. Written simply and profusely illustrated with line drawings and photographs, the book embodies the latest researches on the subject. It will fascinate both serious scholars and lay readers, especially the young ones, and provide them rare glimpses into India's rich metallurgical heritage.