Interplay between the Arts and Technology in Ancient Indian Metallurgical Traditions

Abstract

The metallurgical heritage of India, spanning five millennia, is a celebrated one. Tha coming together of the arts and metallurgical technology is fascinating. This theme will be illustrated with five objects. The Mohenjo Daro dancing firl was made by cire perdue, the lost wax process ca 2500 BCE. Indians were the first to master the melting of steel. The crucible process, invented ca 300 BCE and led to the ultra high carbon wootz steel. In 400 CE the Delhi iron Pillar was erected as a flag post for a Vishnu Temple by Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Around the same time bronze mirrors were made from Ultra high tin bronze in Kerala. A few Centuries ago Bidriware was created in Bidar. This blending of arts and technology will be described in terms of crossing geographical, historical and religious landscapes of Indian culture and civilization. It will confirm Cyril Stanley Smith's insight that materials descovery was driven by aesthetic curiosity rather than utilitarian considerations.