The Significance of Wootz Steel to the History of Materials Science Sharada Srinivasan and S Ranganathan
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Pattern Formation in Wootz Damascus Steel Swords and Blades
Indian Journal ofHistory ofScience, 42.4 (2007) 559-574 PATTERN FORMATION IN WOOTZ DAMASCUS STEEL SWORDS AND BLADES JOHN V ERHOEVEN* (Received 14 February 2007) Museum quality wootz Damascus Steel blades are famous for their beautiful surface patterns that are produced in the blades during the forging process of the wootz ingot. At an International meeting on wootz Damascus steel held in New York' in 1985 it was agreed by the experts attending that the art of making these blades had been lost sometime in nineteenth century or before. Shortly after this time the author began a collaborative study with bladesmith Alfred Pendray to tty to discover how to make ingots that could be forged into blades that would match both the surface patterns and the internal carbide banded microstructure of wootz Damascus steels. After carrying out extensive experiments over a period ofaround 10 years this work succeeded to the point where Pendray is now able to consistently make replicas of museum quality wootz Damascus blades that match both surface and internal structures. It was not until near the end of the study that the key factor in the formation of the surface pattern was discovered. It turned out to be the inclusion of vanadium impurities in the steel at amazingly low levels, as low as 0.004% by weight. This paper reviews the development of the collaborative research effort along with our analysis ofhow the low level of vanadium produces the surface patterns. Key words: Damascus steel, Steel, Wootz Damascus steel. INTRODUCTION Indian wootz steel was generally produced by melting a charge of bloomery iron along with various reducing materials in small closed crucibles. -
Damascus Steel
Damascus steel For Damascus Twist barrels, see Skelp. For the album of blades, and research now shows that carbon nanotubes the same name, see Damascus Steel (album). can be derived from plant fibers,[8] suggesting how the Damascus steel was a type of steel used in Middle East- nanotubes were formed in the steel. Some experts expect to discover such nanotubes in more relics as they are an- alyzed more closely.[6] The origin of the term Damascus steel is somewhat un- certain; it may either refer to swords made or sold in Damascus directly, or it may just refer to the aspect of the typical patterns, by comparison with Damask fabrics (which are in turn named after Damascus).[9][10] 1 History Close-up of an 18th-century Iranian forged Damascus steel sword ern swordmaking. These swords are characterized by dis- tinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water. Such blades were reputed to be tough, re- sistant to shattering and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge.[1] Damascus steel was originally made from wootz steel, a steel developed in South India before the Common Era. The original method of producing Damascus steel is not known. Because of differences in raw materials and man- ufacturing techniques, modern attempts to duplicate the metal have not been entirely successful. Despite this, several individuals in modern times have claimed that they have rediscovered the methods by which the original Damascus steel was produced.[2][3] The reputation and history of Damascus steel has given rise to many legends, such as the ability to cut through a rifle barrel or to cut a hair falling across the blade,.[4] A research team in Germany published a report in 2006 re- vealing nanowires and carbon nanotubes in a blade forged A bladesmith from Damascus, ca. -
The Madras Presidency, with Mysore, Coorg and the Associated States
: TheMADRAS PRESIDENG 'ff^^^^I^t p WithMysore, CooRGAND the Associated States byB. THURSTON -...—.— .^ — finr i Tin- PROVINCIAL GEOGRAPHIES Of IN QJofttell HttinerHitg Blibracg CHARLES WILLIAM WASON COLLECTION CHINA AND THE CHINESE THE GIFT OF CHARLES WILLIAM WASON CLASS OF 1876 1918 Digitized by Microsoft® Cornell University Library DS 485.M27T54 The Madras presidencypresidenc; with MysorMysore, Coor iliiiiliiiiiiilii 3 1924 021 471 002 Digitized by Microsoft® This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in cooperation witli Cornell University Libraries, 2007. You may use and print this copy in limited quantity for your personal purposes, but may not distribute or provide access to it (or modified or partial versions of it) for revenue-generating or other commercial purposes. Digitized by Microsoft® Provincial Geographies of India General Editor Sir T. H. HOLLAND, K.C.LE., D.Sc, F.R.S. THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY WITH MYSORE, COORG AND THE ASSOCIATED STATES Digitized by Microsoft® CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS HonBnn: FETTER LANE, E.G. C. F. CLAY, Man^gek (EBiniurBi) : loo, PRINCES STREET Berlin: A. ASHER AND CO. Ji-tipjifl: F. A. BROCKHAUS i^cto Sotfe: G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS iBomlaj sriB Calcutta: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltd. All rights reserved Digitized by Microsoft® THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY WITH MYSORE, COORG AND THE ASSOCIATED STATES BY EDGAR THURSTON, CLE. SOMETIME SUPERINTENDENT OF THE MADRAS GOVERNMENT MUSEUM Cambridge : at the University Press 1913 Digitized by Microsoft® ffiambttige: PRINTED BY JOHN CLAY, M.A. AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS. Digitized by Microsoft® EDITOR'S PREFACE "HE casual visitor to India, who limits his observations I of the country to the all-too-short cool season, is so impressed by the contrast between Indian life and that with which he has been previously acquainted that he seldom realises the great local diversity of language and ethnology. -
South Indian Iron Age Iron and Higher Carbon Steel: with Reference to Kadebakele and Comparative Insights from Mel-Siruvalur Sharada Srinivasan, Carla M
South Indian Iron Age iron and higher carbon steel: with reference to Kadebakele and comparative insights from Mel-siruvalur Sharada Srinivasan, Carla M. Sinopoli, Kathleen D. Morrison, Rangaiah Gopal and Srinivasa Ranganathan ABSTRACT This paper is based on studies of the use and modes of production of higher carbon iron alloys in relation to surface finds from Iron Age and early historic sites in southern India, in particular the site of Kadebakele where recent excavations have revealed finds of iron and steel, some of which according to preliminary studies, seem to be of a higher carbon content. Preliminary comparative studies are also made on surface finds of crucibles related to high carbon steel production at Mel-siruvalur.1 Introduction the related Tamil word uruku, meaning to make molten. It could also be related to ekku, the old Tamil word for sharp- The iron and steel artefacts uncovered from the site of ness/sharp spear.3 Kadebakele, Karnataka in southern India span the early According to Smith (1960: 14–16; 1981: 67, 72) Indian phases of occupation carbon dated from 800 to 400 BC. wootz ingots were used to forge oriental Damascus swords This site has been excavated by a collaborative team from found to be of a high (1.5–2%) carbon content with a the Karnataka Department of Archaeology, the University of typical ‘watered silk’ pattern. Damascus blades, made in Michigan, and the University of Chicago. The site was oc- Khorasan and Isfahan in Persia from south Indian wootz cupied from at least the early 1st millennium BC until the from Golconda were thought to have been the finest weap- early centuries AD. -
In This Issue Damascus Swords
In This Issue Application Article: Damascus Swords - An Ancient Advanced Material Technical Tip: Extensometer Slippage You Asked – We Answered: Q: What is the Best Way to Grip Thin-walled Steel Tubes for Tension Testing? Damascus Swords - An Ancient Advanced Material In popular culture, the Samurai sword reigns supreme as both a fearsome weapon and a work of art, a masterpiece combining hardness and flexibility in steel. However, another ancient weapon, the Damascus sword, has also been revered for centuries. Its beauty is second to none. Damascus blades have a characteristic wavy banding pattern on the blade surface known as damask. It also combines hardness and flexibility. Only recently, researchers have found some of the secrets of these competing properties. The Damascene bladesmiths were making carbon nanotubes more than 400 years ago. Damascus blades, first encountered by Europeans in the Middle Ages in the Middle East and Asia, had features not found in European steels: extraordinary mechanical properties, an exceptionally sharp cutting edges, and a damask pattern. Damascus blades were forged from Wootz steel from India. India has been reputed for its iron and steel since ancient times. Literary accounts indicate that steel from southern India was rated as some of the finest in the world and was traded throughout Europe, China, and the Middle East. Steel is made by alloying iron with carbon. High carbon contents of 1 - 2% make the material hard, but also make it brittle. This property is useless for sword making since the blade would shatter upon impact with a shield or another sword. However, Wootz steel, with a carbon content of about 1.5%, showed a seemingly impossible combination of hardness and malleability. -
Damascus Steel's Indian Origins
िहंदी Damascus Steel’s Indian Origins Anshika Jain December 20th 2019 Fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones will be familiar with Valyrian steel used to forge weapons that could kill the dreaded nightwalkers. Well, through most of history, Damascus Steel was Valyrian’s real- world counterpart. Prized for its strength and sharpness, it was coveted from the time of the Crusades in medieval Europe. But few know that ‘Damascus’ steel was actually from the Indian subcontinent! So how did it get to Damascus and why was it named after the present-day capital of Syria? When European Crusaders rst landed in West Asia in the 12th and 13th centuries CE, pumped with religious zeal, they were met with soldiers wielding a sword that astounded them. Described as being able to cut a feather in mid-air and retain its edge through countless battles, they named this astonishing sword after the place where they encountered it – Damascus. िहंदी One of the Battles of the Third Crusade|Wikimedia Commons Locally, it was called ‘Seric’ steel (‘Seric’ being derived from ‘Seres’, the Persian name for the ‘Chera’ dynasty in Southern India). Much later, British scholars referred to it as ‘Wootz’ steel, a mispronunciation of the Tamilian noun ‘Ukku’. While the Europeans were talking about this excellent steel from West Asia, West Asians actually wrote about the Indian steel. The 12th-century Arab geographer Idrisi writes that nothing could surpass the edge of Indian steel, which he called ‘Hinduwani’. What Is Damascus Steel? Damascus Steel is a ‘superplastic’ steel made from ingots of Wootz steel produced in Southern India. -
Journal of Indian History and Culture ISSN: 0975 - 7805 JOURNAL OF
Journal of Indian History and Culture ISSN: 0975 - 7805 JOURNAL OF INDIAN HISTORY AND CULTURE September 2019 Twenty Fifth Issue C.P. RAMASWAMI AIYAR INSTITUTE OF INDOLOGICAL RESEARCH (affiliated to the University of Madras) The C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation 1 Eldams Road, Chennai 600 018, INDIA Journal of Indian History and Culture Editor : Dr. G. J. Sudhakar Editorial Board Dr. Nanditha Krishna Dr. K.V. Raman Dr. V. Mohan Dr. G. Balaji Dr. V. Sandhiyalakshmi Published by Dr. Nanditha Krishna C.P.Ramaswami Aiyar Institute of Indological Research The C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation 1 Eldams Road Chennai 600 018 Tel : 2434 1778 E-Mail: [email protected] / [email protected] Website: www.cprfoundation.org Layout Design : R. Sathya Narayanan Subscription Rs. 150/- (for 1 issue) Rs. 290/- (for 2 issues) Journal of Indian History and Culture CONTENTS 1 Preservation and Conservation of Archival Materials at the Library of C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Institute of Indological Research - Nanditha Krishna 1 2 Archaeological and Epigraphic evidence of early Vasudeva-Krishna worship - Meenakshi Jain 13 3 Early Icons of Agni - V. Sandiyalakshmi 31 4 Romance, Escape and Divine Rewards: Popularisatīon of Satī in Early India, as echoed in the Sanskrit Texts - Benudhar Patra & Punit 49 5 Sources for Early Āndhradēsa - D. Mercy Ratna Rani 65 6 Coinage in Ancient India – As Gleaned From Sanskrit Literature - V. Yamuna Devi 94 7 The Concept of Ardhanarisvara with special reference to Tamil Literature - T. Kausalya Kumari 104 Journal of Indian History and Culture 8 Advaita and Problems in Indian Metaphysics - Godabarisha Mishra 115 9 Colonial Despotism and British Judicial Intervention in the Bengal Presidency, 1772-1798 - Om Prakash 133 10 Porto Novo Iron Works- Retelling the Story of a Failed Industrial Enterprise of 19th Century Madras and its Impact - Dolly Thomas 157 11 Hisory of the New Architecture of Colonial Madras - G. -
Damascus Steel and Crucible Steel in Central Asia
Damascus Steel and Crucible Steel in Central Asia Ann Feuerbach "Everything is mine:' said gold; "Everything is mine," said Damascus steel; "I can buy anything," said gold; "I can acquire anything,"said Damascus steel. Pushkin, 1827 (translated by Bogachev, 1952) For hundreds of years, swords made of Damascus steel have been famous for their flexibility, retention of a sharp edge and beautiful surface pattern. There are two broad cat- egories of swords that are made of what is called Damascus, Damascene or Damask steel. One category was made by forg- ing different strips of iron and steel together and is known as pattern welded Damascus steel. This method was used throughout Europe and Asia. The second category of some of the invaders who attacked the prosperous cities along Damascus steel was made from an ingot of crucible steel and the route and caused the downfall of many of them. is known as crucible Damascus steel. This method has his- The recent dissolution of the Soviet Union has greatly facil- torically been associated with the Wootz steel made in the itated the exchange of scholarly information between the for- Indian subcontinent. A reexamination of the sources of infor- mer Soviet states and the rest of the world. This has allowed the mation traditionally used to maintain the myths and legends author the opportunity for collaborative research with scholars about Damascus steel indicates that many beliefs are based in three different areas of CentralAsia,the results of which great- on little or no hard evidence. It is becoming apparent that ly increased understanding of the production and use of cru- Central Asia was a major producer of crucible steel. -
Viewer Important Inscriptions, Architect Augustus Brown and I’M Excited Symbols and Markings—All Representative to Say That This Is Probably My Most in Their Own Ways
ICONIC NOVEMBER 2017 LONDON +44 (0)7866 424 803 [email protected] runjeetsingh.com INTRODUCTION This year marks the 20th anniversary of The gallery exhibition which this Asian Art in London and to mark the e-catalogue accompanies runs from the occasion I wanted to put on an exhibition 2nd of November to the 11th and takes of some importance. Entitled ICONIC, it place at 6 Ryder Street, London. It has will showcase highly desirable pieces that been designed by the talented London offer the viewer important inscriptions, architect Augustus Brown and I’m excited symbols and markings—all representative to say that this is probably my most in their own ways. ambitious gallery show yet. I hope to push the boundaries of presentation and These pieces have been sourced from all display these significant, beautiful items in over the West and, in many cases, have ways that I feel they deserve. come from collections that have been hidden away for many decades. It is my Lastly, as per tradition, and with great great pleasure to bring such items to light sincerity, I would like to offer my once more and I explore many theories appreciation to the numerous colleagues regarding these items within their and friends who have contributed descriptions. Some offer opportunities to the research and production of for further research and perhaps their this publication and its accompanying new owners might enjoy continuing exhibition. I also thank my family for their where I have left off. endless love, patience and support. CONTENTS Daggers 08 Swords 38 Firearms 66 Objects 76 Armour 82 Written by Runjeet Singh November 2017 All prices on request 9 1 GOLD JAMBIYA Weighty and richly decorated, this The scabbard’s mouth is covered Assib jambiya is made in the Meccan in maroon velvet, ensuring a quiet ARABIA, MEDINA style and, importantly, it is almost and elegant drawing and sheathing identical to two daggers which were of the dagger. -
Super Steel Super
PADMA RAO India’s Wootz steel and indigo dye are testament to the high level of Super Steel scientific and technological & knowledge that India possessed through the Feature Article Feature Super Dye ages. the handiwork of specialized artisans cooling. The blade smiths skillfully made called Kammaras of South India. It was use of these patterns in the material by URING the Crusades, the Christian made in the iron ore belt of Karnataka, manipulating the angle of the blades, and warriors encountered Muslim Andhra and Tamil Nadu, ranging from the polishing the blade. The final product had Dsoldiers, who had better weapons. southern tip of India to Vidarbha. Golkonda, grey patterns on a black background, The weapons were made of a harder steel Bhadravati in Karnataka and the making it a thing of beauty. The more with a sharper cutting edge known as megalithic site of Kodumanal in Tamil famous patterns were the rose pattern and Damascus steel. Nadu. the ladder pattern. Tipu Sultan’s famous In his famous book, The Talisman, 19th The name Wootz is a corruption of blades had the bubris tiger stripe pattern century British writer Sir Walter Scott the Kannada word ‘Ukku’, which means ingrained in them. describes the weapons of Sultan Saladin steel. In Tamil, it is called ‘Irku’. The steel Medieval observers have written of the Saracens. His description of Saladin’s was prized so much in the West, that about the production of Wootz steel, fearful scimitar as opposed to the English Alexander the Great is said to have carried which was made using the crucible broadsword wielded by Richard the some Indian steel swords on his return from process. -
Indian Steel a Forgotten Commodity of the Great Trade Routes
Indian steel — a forgotten commodity of the great trade routes EGYPT INDIAN STEEL A FORGOTTEN COMMODITY OF THE GREAT TRADE ROUTES Marek Woźnia k PhD candidate, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences Abstract: Among numerous exotic goods carried along ancient trade routes the so-called Seric iron is one of the most mysterious and least known. According to ancient sources, it was imported from a half-mythical land of Serica. New discoveries in southern India suggest it should be identified with the kingdom of Chera (in modern Tamilnadu) which existed between 300 BC and AD 300. This metal, one type of which was the patterned Damascene steel, was used mainly in the production of high-quality weapons. From about the 3rd century AD local production centers of crucible steel emerged also outside India. Keywords: Indian steel, crucible steel, wootz, Damascus steel, Serica country, Tamil metalurgy The economic and cultural role of the great Empire) and Asia (united Chinese Empire, trade routes cannot be underestimated, as Magadha empire). a source of sought after exotic goods and The military expeditions of the Greek a means of exchanging information on far- Bactrian kings to northern India (Kalita off lands and their inhabitants, a veritable 2009: 95–193), the sailing feat of Eudoxos “internet” of the pre-industrial age. of Cyzicus (Sidebotham 2011: 15, 35, Modern research highlights the ubiquity 57; Hourani 1995: 24–26), and the long of such routes in all territories, indicating journey of the Chinese envoy Zhang Qian that professional merchants of the great (Loewe 2000: 687–689) were some of ancient empires chose the best of hundreds the events that led to the emergence of of routes known to local communities, two main routes connecting Asia, Africa the ones that supplied the best goods and Mediterranean Europe [Fig. -
CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 - Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners
CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 - Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners This chapter tells the story of the crafts and industries of India during British rule by focusing on two industries, namely, textiles and iron and steel. Both these industries were crucial for the industrial revolution in the modern world. Mechanised production of cotton textiles made Britain the foremost industrial nation in the nineteenth century. And when its iron and steel industry started growing from the 1850s, Britain came to be known as the “workshop of the world”. The industrialisation of Britain had a close connection with the conquest and colonisation of India. The concepts mentioned in this chapter are all covered in our CBSE Class 8 Social Science History notes Chapter 6 - Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners. Indian Textiles and the World Market Around 1750, India was the world’s largest producer of cotton textiles renowned both for their fine quality and exquisite craftsmanship. They were traded in Southeast Asia (Java, Sumatra and Penang) and West and Central Asia. European trading companies bought Indian textiles and sold them in Europe. Words tell us histories European traders first encountered fine cotton cloth from India carried by Arab merchants in Mosul present-day Iraq. The Portuguese came to India in search of spices and the cotton textiles they took back to Europe, called “calico” (derived from Calicut). There were many other words which pointed to the popularity of Indian textiles in Western markets. Different varieties of cloth were named differently such as printed cotton cloths were called chintz, cossaes (or khassa) and bandanna.