Ancient Hindus used Nanotechnology

Ancient Hindus unknowingly employed nanotechnology in the manufacture of swords, other weapons and paintings. This was indicated by Nobel Laureate (chemistry) Robert Curl Jr at the 95th Indian Science Congress in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

‘Our ancestors have been unwittingly using the technology for over 2,000 years and carbon nano for about 500 years. Carbon nanotechnology is much older than carbon nanoscience,’ said Curl (the Hindu)

Nobel Laureate (chemistry) Robert Curl Jr told an enchanted audience at the 95th Indian Science Congress here about how Damascus steel was first made by experts in south and south-central India as long ago as around 300 BC. (the New Indian Express)

The swords produced by ancient Hindu blacksmiths were known to retain its sharp edge and toughness. Such high quality swords were the result of the composition of carbon in it.

Nanotechnology refers broadly to a field of applied science and technology whose unifying theme is the control of matter on the atomic and molecular scale, normally 1 to 100 nanometers, and the fabrication of devices within that size range. (Wikipedia)

The raw material used by ancient Indians was wootz steel – a high grade steel first made in ancient South India. After burning away the impurities in the iron ore, important ingredients including a high carbon content of nearly 1.5 per cent was added to produce wootz steel.

A similar method was employed in Ajanta paintings.