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Young World
DESIGN MARVEL
Unique pillar of iron
A. SRIVATHSAN
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Delhi’s 1,600 year-old-iron pillar was originally located in the Udayagiri cave near Sanchi.
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Photo: V. Sudershan
The Ashoka Iron Pilllar: belonging to the Chandragupta II- Vikramaditya period.
Qutubminar is a popular 12th century architectural marvel. The soaring tower, enormous sand stone walls, projecting balconies and inscriptions have been a great attraction. By the side of it, literally in its shadows, stands a fractionally tall, but equally famous and much visited structure — the iron pillar. The pillar stands rustless for centuries and has been a metallurgical puzzle to many.
Though popularly known as Delhi’s iron pillar, this 1600 year old pillar was originally located in the Udayagiri cave complex near Sanchi, about 50 km east Bhopal. Based on the inscriptions on the pillar and the inverted bell capital, historians date this pillar as belonging to the Chandragupta II Vikramaditya period, which is about 4th century A.D.
For luck
Udayagiri lies on the tropic of cancer and is astronomically significant. Ujjain, another city located on the tropic of cancer, too was well known for its astronomical works. Studies reveal that the pillar served astronomical purpose and was used for observations and calculations. It is believed that the pillar was transported to Delhi during 13th century.
The pillar is about 7.375 m high, 41.6 cm in diameter at the bottom and 34 cm at the top. It is estimated to weigh about 6000kg. For many years scientific studies have been carried out to ascertain what makes this pillar unique and why it does not rust. It is found that iron in the pillar is pure and low in carbon. This is attributed to the traditional method of making of iron.
The iron in the pillar is also characterised by the presence of high phosphorus, low sulphur and low manganese. The purity of the metal has contributed to its longevity while a thin phosphate passive film formed on the pillar has protected it from rusting, say the scientists.
For many years, visitors apart from wondering at the pillar tried to encircle it with both their hands. It is a popular myth that whoever manages to do so will have their wish fulfilled. As the myth spread the hands that wanted to encircle it also increased.
This was found to be detrimental to the pillar and since has been fenced.
In 1961, the pillar was removed for conservation work. It was later reinstalled in the same place on a new pedestal.
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