History of Mining in India

Abstract

Mining of minerals is an age-old process continuing since centuries. Indeed, it was started with pick-axe and chisel, way back in pre-Harappan times and pre-Christian era. An insight into the history of mining in India, one of the oldest civilizations of the world, will enable the readers to know how our ancestors were digging minerals from the earth womb with minimum tools and inadequate infrastructure. Describing the history in limited pages is not possible, however, an attempt has been made on the basis of available authentic records. The first third of this paper describes ancient mining and metallurgy in general, encompassing India as well as known ancient civilizations of the world. It is followed by a focussed history of the coal mining industry in India. The third part focuses on mineral-wise excavation history including metallic artefacts like copper, silver and gold with present insight. In brief, this paper attempts to provide a useful insight with reference to India for all readers, directly or indirectly, and whether connected with mining /mineral industry or not.