Powder metallurgy is the production of metal powders and converting them to useful shape. Its history has been traced back to the early civilizations of the world. Ancient Egyptian iron plants date from 3000 BC. Greek iron manufacturing is known from 800-600 BC. In India manufacture of large objects was known as early as 300 AD. But these were processed by direct reduction of iron oxide without melting until 1800 when the technology to obtain a temperature high enough to melt pure iron was available. Signiflcant developments in the use of powder metallurgy took place in the 19th century. Its new dimensions in materials technology, advantages, and later products are also described. -- AATA