This book attempts to document the history of zinc and brass technology in India against the backdrop of evidence from different parts of the world, particularly Asia, Africa and Europe. Based on his deep analysis of the available archaeological, archaeometallurgical and literary data, the author provides some new and interesting insights into the evolution and growth of Zinc processing and manufacturing technology in India. The book delineates how India was the first country to achieve the production of pure distilled zinc and how it established its primacy in producing and refining this important metal. It also covers the historical aspects of trading in zinc and the transfer of zinc and brass technology from India to the West. A rich bibliography and a set of appendices providing technical data and information for the use of specialists are other notable features of the book.

An experienced archaeologist, Dr. S.S. Kharakwal, currently leads an Indo-Japanese research project besides teaching at the Dept. of Archaeology, Institute of Rajasthan Studies, Udaipur, India.