Question

Wootz steel is also known as ______?
A.Ukku
B.Hindavi Steel
C.Teling Steel
D.All of these

Answer 1

Hint: Wootz is considered to be a crucial steel which is characterized by a pattern of bands. As it is ancient, wootz steel is called by many names among which one is Seric Iron.

Complete answer: Answer to this question is option D, All of the above. Wootz steel is a crucible steel, made by melting pig iron, iron and sometimes steel along with sand, ashes, glass and other fluxes. They are found by sheets of microscopic carbides within a martensite matrix in carbon steel. This steel originated initially in South India in Tamil Nadu. There are some references of Carbon Tamil Steel in Tamil, North India, Greek, Roamn and Chinese references.
They were made by heating black magnetite ore in presence of carbon in a sealed clay inside a charcoal furnace to remove slag completely. Bamboo and Avarai leaves were the source of carbon.
There was also a trade system between South India and Sri Lanka with Arabs which was carried out by Arabian Sea. In the 12th century Arab travelers called it Hinduwani or Hindavi in reference to Indian steel. Arab people also account for calling this steel as Teling steel in reference to its making in Golconda, Telangana. Wootz was widely exported and traded throughout Europe and Arab and particularly in the Middle East. Around the 17th century, its manufacturing spread in Mysore and Malabar too. Wootz in Tamil roots the word for alloy is urukku. Therefore Ukku, Hindavi and Teling are other names of Wootz as well.

Therefore, the correct answer to the above question is D.

Note: The pattern that causes the band for Wootz is Fe3C particles which is made by microsegregation of low levels of carbide forming elements containing carbonaceous matter than common qualities of cast steel.