Tribal system of iron making in India -R&D for optimum operation

Indian tribals and artisans produced quality iron products earlier than the developed countries, making use of local iron ore reserves and wood charcoal. Their furnaces were suitable only for small scale operation to produce wrought iron. This paper critically analyses the ancient process of iron making. All major considerations related to design, system and process of ancient iron making have been discussed with a view to achieve optimum operation.