Metals in Ancient India  Dr. (Mrs.) Gauri P. Mahulkar  Lecturer, Dept. of Sanskrit, University of Mumbai.

In chemistry, substances with characteristic properties of high electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as metallic lustre, are called as metals. 

In the Vedic literature one finds numerous references to metals like gold, brass bronze, tin, iron etc. Different types of weapons and ornaments were made out of these metals. As far as metallurgical details are concerned, there are vague references to these in the Vedic literature. The Arthashastra, however, gives an idea of making steel, minting coins etc.

The Puranic literature states that the important metals like gold, brass, etc. were created from the blood, bones and flesh of the demon Gudakesa, who was killed by Vishnu. Along with the mythical accounts, many beliefs got associated with the metals in due course of time. The paper deals with all these aspects with a comparative outlook.