Abstract
Lead and zinc mines in Rajasthan, India, were examined, in relation to, especially, the early use of zinc as a metal. Carbon dates of circa 2000 years before present established Zawar as the world's oldest zinc mines. Large‐scale mining for lead at Rajpura‐Dariba goes back to circa 3000 years before present. Major features found are described, emphasising the considerable scale of operations, and methods used.