| The area is renowned for the specialised production of crucible steel, sometimes called wootz, a material used in the manufacture of the fabled swords of Damascus. |
| This came to be known as Wootz steel, produced in South India by about sixth century BC and exported globally. |
| During this period, a high quality steel called Wootz steel was developed in south India and was later exported to China and Arabia. |
| The 18th, 19th and early 20th century saw a heady period of European interest in trying to understand the nature and properties of wootz steel. |
| Wootz steel originated in south India in the 3rd century BCE and was exported to foreign countries. |
| Another investigator, David Mushet, was able to infer that wootz was made by fusion. |
