• The iron pillar of Delhi is a 7 m (23 ft) kirti stambha (column of fame or victory column), originally erected and dedicated as dhvaja (banner) to Hindu deity lord Vishnu in 3rd to 4th century CE by king Chandragupta II, currently standing in the Qutb complex at Mehrauli in Delhi, India.

Why the iron pillar in Delhi has not rusted?

A high phosphorus iron ore was clearly used, and this element contaminated the product. As a result, a very thin dark grey protective layer of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate has formed on the surface of the pillar , which is the reason for its resistance to corrosion.

Why was the iron pillar built?

King Chandragupta II According to a popular translation of the Brahmi script upon the Iron Pillar of Delhi, the pillar was made for a king. The king is presumably of the Gupta period, given the era of its creation. It was also made to honor one of the most important Hindu gods – Vishnu.

How many iron pillars are there in India?

Asoka’s 6 Major Pillar Edicts have been found at Kausambhi (Allahabad), Topra (now Delhi), Meerut (now Delhi), Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya-Nandangarh, Rampurva (Champaran), and a 7th one on the Delhi-Topra pillar .

What is remarkable about the iron pillar?

The Iron Pillar of Delhi is located at Mehrauli, Delhi (India) and is most notable for its rust-resistance iron metal composition. The pillar has intrigued archaeologists and scientists over centuries because of its unique high chemical resistance to corrosion in spite of the local climate in Delhi, India.

Who made Delhi iron pillar?

The iron pillar of Delhi is a structure 23 feet 8 inches (7.2 metres) high with 16 inches (40.64 cm) diameter that was constructed by Chandragupta II (reigned c. 375-415 CE ), and now stands in the Qutb complex at Mehrauli in Delhi, India .

Why is the iron pillar not rusted?

Iron pillar of Qutub Minar is not rusted because it was made by 98% wrought iron . A thin layer of a˜misawitea (formed catalytically by the presence of phosphorous in the iron ), a compound of iron , oxygen and hydrogen, has also protected the pillar .

How old is the iron pillar?

An ancient iron pillar in Delhi that seems to be rustproof. The surprise comes in learning its age, some 1600 years old , much older than one would expect for an iron column which, judging from other exposed iron, should have turned to a pile of dust long ago.

What is iron pillar made up of?

In the Qutb complex of Delhi stands one of the most curious metal objects in the world – the Iron Pillar of Delhi. The pillar is a 23ft-high kirti stambha (column of fame or victory column), weighs more than 6 tons, and is made of 98% wrought iron .

What is the meaning of iron pillar?

The pillar has attracted the attention of archaeologists and materials scientists because of its high resistance to corrosion and has been called a “testimony to the high level of skill achieved by the ancient Indian iron smiths in the extraction and processing of iron .” The corrosion resistance results from an even

What is written in Ashoka Pillar?

Three languages were used, Prakrit, Greek and Aramaic. The edicts are composed in non-standardized and archaic forms of Prakrit. Prakrit inscriptions were written in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts, which even a commoner could read and understand.

What are the four major pillars of history?

1 Stories, identity and context. ASHOKA PILLAR IN ALLAHABAD. ASHOKA PILLAR IN SANCHI . ASHOKA PILLAR IN VAISHALI.

How many lions are there in Ashoka Pillar?

Four lions stand atop the drum, each facing in the four cardinal directions. Their mouths are open roaring or spreading the dharma, the Four Noble Truths, across the land. The lion references the Buddha, formerly Shakyamuni, a member of the Shakya (lion) clan.

What is the most remarkable feature of the Iron Pillar of Mehrauli?

The iron pillar at Mehrauli , Delhi, is a remarkable example of the skill of Indian crafts persons. It is made of iron , 7.2.mt high, and weighs over 3 tonnes. There is an inscription on the pillar mentioning a ruler named Chandra,who probably belonged to the Gupta dynasty. The pillar has not rusted in all these years.

In which language is the Iron Pillar at Mehrauli inscription?

The Iron Pillar now seen at the Qutb Complex, New Delhi, India, was originally erected during the time of King Chandra and bears his inscription in Sanskrit. This king has been identified with Emperor Chandragupta II (c. 375 – 413/14 CE) of the Gupta dynasty.

What can the iron pillar of Delhi tell us about the Gupta empire?

The pillar , made of 98% wrought iron , is considered a highlight of ancient Indian achievements in metallurgy; it has stood more than 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. Iron Pillar of Delhi . The Iron Pillar of Delhi , India, erected by Chandragupta II to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, in the 4th century CE.