Significance of Raw material

Raw material encompasses various basic substances crucial for manufacturing processes across different contexts. In Arthashastra, it refers to unprocessed natural resources, while Rasashastra focuses on laboratory materials essential for product formulation. Historically, raw materials are vital for economic growth and local industry sustainability. In scientific and pharmaceutical contexts, they represent fundamental ingredients required for producing medications and herbal products, emphasizing the need for quality and authenticity. Overall, raw materials serve as the foundational elements for numerous applications in production and manufacturing.1
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Synonyms: Natural resource

In Dutch: Grondstof; In Finnish: Raaka-aine; In Spanish: Materia prima; In German: Rohstoff; In Malay: Bahan mentah

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Raw material'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Raw material" can be interpreted as essential, unprocessed substances sourced from nature or industry that are integral to production processes and may face regulations against theft or misappropriation.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) Basic materials taken from forests which have a designated fine for theft.[1] (2) Basic products used for manufacturing which may be subject to toll.[2] (3) Basic, unprocessed goods that are used in manufacturing and can be subject to theft or misappropriation.[3]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory

(1) Basic substances used in the laboratory for producing finished products, stored in the central part of the laboratory.[4]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

The concept of Raw material in local and regional sources

History Books

Raw material encompasses essential unprocessed resources extracted or harvested for manufacturing and economic development, impacting sustainability, market prices, and environmental concerns, while also reflecting historical reliance on common people for social change.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) This is what an artist has to draw upon from life.[5] (2) The underlying common people whom Gandhi utilized for his experiments in truth and social change.[6] (3) Natural resources extracted from nature, often at the cost of environmental degradation.[7] (4) Basic materials that are extracted or harvested from the earth, which are crucial for economic development and may be sources of international tension.[8] (5) Essential resources needed for production, which must be sourced due to restrictions on markets, particularly with China closed.[9]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) These are the materials which are prepared at length in the eighteen chapters preceding the rasayana chapter.[10]

Plural form: Raw materials.