ink making

Ingredients

lamp-black, charcoal, gum, burnt husk of almond, gold powder, silver powder, herbal substances, metallic ingredients

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The author notes that Nityanath Siddha (1200 A.D.) derived recipes for ink manufacture from the earlier Navanitaka (ca. 2nd Century A.D.). These recipes are recorded in the 'Rasaratnâkara' (1200 A.D.). The process involves the use of both herbal and metallic ingredients (p. 724). Specific components mentioned include lamp-black, charcoal, gum, and the burnt husk of almond. Additionally, precious metals in the form of gold and silver powder were utilized in the preparation (p. 724).

Evidence

"As regards preparation of ink, the earliest recipes for hair dye making in India is found in the Navanitaka (Ca.2nd Cent. A.D.). From this Nityanath Siddha (1200 A.D.) derived his recipes for ink making as recorded in his Rasaratnâkara (1200 A.D.). The materials used for this were herbal substances or metalic ingredients. The ingredients used were lamp-black, charcoal, gum, burnt husk of almond, gold and silver powder and others."

Remarks

The text establishes a historical continuity between ancient Indian hair dye recipes (Navanitaka) and medieval ink-making traditions (p. 724). The use of metallic powders like gold and silver suggests the production of high-status or illuminated inks during this period.