<p>Metal and metallic objects have played a crucial role in the material culture of societies across time and space. In Assam, metals have long served as essential materials for the production of a wide range of artistic, utilitarian and domestic objects. These artefacts have been crafted from materials such as iron, bronze, brass, copper, gold, and silver, reflecting both technological skill and cultural expression. Among these, iron holds particular archaeological and cultural significance due to its extensive use in construction, ritual practices and everyday life. Historical sources, especially the Tai Ahom chronicles known as the <i>Buranjis</i>, refer to highly skilled artisans proficient in working with multiple metals, indicating a well-developed metallurgical tradition in pre-colonial Assam. This project aims to document and analyse metal artefacts of historical importance currently preserved in museums, academic institutions, government departments and private collections. It further seeks to examine the significance of metal in pre-colonial Assam through a critical study of historical texts. Particular emphasis is placed on pyro-technology as reflected in the <i>Buranjis</i>, highlighting indigenous knowledge systems and technological practices. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach that integrates textual analysis and material culture studies, the research endeavours to reconstruct metallurgical practices, tools and the socio-political roles of metals in the region.</p>

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Metal technologies in Assam: Archaeological and historical perspectives

  • Manjil Hazarika,
  • Jutimala Misra

摘要

Metal and metallic objects have played a crucial role in the material culture of societies across time and space. In Assam, metals have long served as essential materials for the production of a wide range of artistic, utilitarian and domestic objects. These artefacts have been crafted from materials such as iron, bronze, brass, copper, gold, and silver, reflecting both technological skill and cultural expression. Among these, iron holds particular archaeological and cultural significance due to its extensive use in construction, ritual practices and everyday life. Historical sources, especially the Tai Ahom chronicles known as the Buranjis, refer to highly skilled artisans proficient in working with multiple metals, indicating a well-developed metallurgical tradition in pre-colonial Assam. This project aims to document and analyse metal artefacts of historical importance currently preserved in museums, academic institutions, government departments and private collections. It further seeks to examine the significance of metal in pre-colonial Assam through a critical study of historical texts. Particular emphasis is placed on pyro-technology as reflected in the Buranjis, highlighting indigenous knowledge systems and technological practices. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach that integrates textual analysis and material culture studies, the research endeavours to reconstruct metallurgical practices, tools and the socio-political roles of metals in the region.