Miracle in metal
N. HARINARAYANA
|
The Iron Pillar in Delhi remains rust-free even today.
|
Photo: AFP
POPULAR SPORT: Belgium's Prince Philippe tries his best.
The Iron Pillar at Delhi, is a standing testimony to the technological skill of the ancient Indians. Its very size is astounding. It measures 23 feet 6 inches in length including a capital of three feet five inches at the top and a portion of three feet one inch buried under a pedestal. The weight of the pillar is estimated to be about six tons. Handling such a huge quantity of metal is a feat even today.
Technological feat
It is surmised that lumps of 20 to 30 kg of metal were forge-welded under firing with a charcoal blast. Only a master craftsman of high technical proficiency could have ensured production of iron of the same uniform composition.
Despite being exposed to the sun and rain for centuries, the Pillar has remained rust-free. The inscription carved on it in about 380 — 385 A.D. continues to remain readable.
The lack of rust has induced scientists to carry out non-destructive tests to fathom the secret of this phenomenon. It is felt that its unique composition is one reason: low carbon content, high phosphorous, low sulphur and manganese and high slag content. Possibly a very thin protective film of iron oxide with some slag driven into it is another reason. The climatic condition of Delhi has also been given credit for the phenomenon. Finally the grain structure of the surface of the Pillar is said to have hindered corrosion.
Visitors stand on the pedestal with the back to the pillar and try to link their hands behind them. Most of the time it is not possible, such is the magnitude of the pillar.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
