<p>Metallurgy in the Indian subcontinent presents one of the world’s longest and most continuous technological trajectories, extending from the Indus Valley Civilization through medieval high-carbon steels and zinc distillation, to present-day industrial steel, copper, zinc, and gold production. This review synthesizes archaeological, textual, and materials-science evidence to trace the evolution of extractive metallurgy, alloy design, thermomechanical processing, and corrosion management in India. Early phases highlight copper and bronze craftsmanship, followed by the civilizational pivot to bloomery ironmaking during the Vedic period, culminating in advanced Gupta iron exemplified by the Delhi Pillar. Medieval India contributed two globally significant innovations: crucible-derived wootz steel, whose carbide microstructures inspired Damascus blades and modern tool steels, and large-scale downward-distillation zinc smelting at Zawar, which anticipated European methods by several centuries. Gold mining and jewellery traditions reveal continuity between prehistoric extraction and ethnographic practice, with distinctive cultural and ritual significance. The manuscript further connects these ancient practices to modern Indian metallurgy, including the establishment of integrated steel plants, leadership in sponge iron (DRI), hydrometallurgical copper and zinc smelting, and sustainable innovations such as secondary metallurgy, bioleaching, and circular resource use. By interlinking historical achievements with current industrial practice, this review demonstrates how ancient empirical ingenuity continues to resonate in contemporary process design, resource stewardship, and materials engineering. The synthesis not only positions Indian metallurgy within a global comparative frame but also underscores its enduring relevance to modern sustainability and innovation challenges.</p>