The earliest literary references to Iron in Indian Sub Continent are found in

The earliest literary references to iron in the Indian subcontinent are found in the Later Vedic texts, specifically the Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. While the Rigveda, the oldest Vedic text (c. 1500–1000 BCE), mentions 'ayas', scholars generally interpret this term as referring to copper or bronze rather than iron [1]. In contrast, Later Vedic literature introduces specific terms to distinguish iron from other metals. Iron is referred to as 'syama-ayas' (black metal) or 'krishna-ayas' to differentiate it from 'lohita-ayas' (copper) [1]. The Yajurveda, which serves as a ritual Veda for the Later Vedic period, contains these distinct references to 'syama'. Archaeological evidence supports this transition, showing iron use becoming prominent around 1200–1000 BCE, coinciding with the composition of Later Vedic Samhitas like the Yajurveda [1].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 2: Early India: The Chalcolithic, Megalithic, Iron Age and Vedic Cultures > Craft Production > p. 25
2. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 2: Early India: The Chalcolithic, Megalithic, Iron Age and Vedic Cultures > Later Vedic Culture and Iron > p. 27