Question

Earliest literary reference to iron in indian subcontinent

Answer 1

Thank you for this question. Please find the answer below: 

The earliest literary reference to iron in the Indian subcontinent is the following; 

The Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda were the earliest references to iron as terms such as 
(i) Krishna-ayas

(ii) Shyama

(iii) Shyama-ayas 

These mean the dark and black metal. Researchers of the inscriptions believe that they are a reference to iron in the region. 

Answer 2

The earliest literary reference of the black metal iron is dated back to age of Vedas.

The term Krishna-ayas, shyama and shyama-ayas as in the Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda are believed to be the early names of iron.

These Sanskrit terms mean black and dark metal in English.