Zawar: World’s Oldest Zinc Mining and Metallurgy Site
Published: Nov 15, 2019
Photo Courtesy: Geological Survey of India
Zawar is one of the oldest mining sites in the world. Specimen of retorts used for zinc smelting are found abundantly in the area. The valley of Tiri in its vicinity is filled with heaps of slag and retorts.
Abstract: Zawar in Rajasthan is the world’s oldest mining and metallurgy site, dated to have existed around 750 BCE, marking ancient India’s acumen in the sector. Zinc and lead mined from the Aravalli rocks, extracted through a unique distillation process was shipped to Europe to bolster brass instrumentation for the industrial revolution. A geo-archaeological site of this importance thus mandates a holistic conservation.
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