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BY HARPREET KAUR
April 8: Many legends surround the Iron Pillar in
Delhi. Unknown to many, this pillar has been in
existence for the past 1600 years, with many scientists
trying to decipher its mystery. Several theories later,
it was found that flaky rusting and white spots have
appeared on the pillar, but due to this very fact, it
has remained resistant to massive corrosion.
 Many believe it’s the climate of Delhi,
others give credit to the material used, and yet others
point to the way it was forged to be the secret behind
its strength. It was subsequently discovered that the
pillar was not cast, but painstakingly constructed by a
welding process. An important factor in determining
corrosion resistance is the presence of ancient massive
iron objects in areas with high humidity for significant
periods - the iron beams in the Surya temple at Konarak
in coastal Orissa and the iron pillar at Mookambika
temple at Kollur. It is obvious that ancient Indians
produced iron capable of withstanding corrosion, this
many believe is due to the high phosphorus content of
the iron produced during those times.
The pillar stands next to the famous Qutb Minar in the
Quwwat ul Islam Mosque courtyard. It has a rectangular
courtyard, 43.2 sq metres by 32.9 sq metres, and is
enclosed by cloisters erected by Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak, with
carved columns said to have belonged to various temples.
The construction of the mosque began in 1193 AD by
Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak of the Mamluk (or the slave) dynasty
and was completed in 1197 AD. A massive stone screen
with high five arches was put in front of the prayer
hall, giving the building an Islamic character. The
screen is carved with borders, inscriptions, geometrical
and arabesque designs. The mosque was enlarged by
Shansuddin Iltutmish (1211 - 1236 AD) and Alauddin
Khalji (1296 - 1316 AD). The screens of these two
sultans are carved with purely Islamic motifs with
geometric patterns.
 Belonging to the fourth-fifth century AD,
this metallurgical wonder is 24 feet in height, 16.4
inches in diameter at the bottom, and 6 1/2 tons in
weight. It stands in the courtyard of the mosque and has
a Sanskrit inscription written in the style of the
fourth century Gupta rulers. The inscription says that
the pillar was probably a dhvajastambha or
flagpole of a Vishnu temple, made at the request of
Chandragupta II Vikramditya who ruled between AD 375 and
413. It is said to have been brought to Delhi by the
Tomar king Anangpal, somewhere in the 11th century.
There is a hole on the top, where there might have been
a sculpture of Garuda.
 The identity of king Chandra behind the
Delhi iron pillar has been addressed. It has been firmly
established that the king was Chandragupta II
Vikramaditya and numismatic evidence also proves that
Chandra was a shorter version of his name. Scientists
believe it was made during his lifetime and also that
Chandragupta’s religion gives sufficient evidence to
support his being Chandra. It is only the name of
Vahlika and Vishnupadagiri which have to be
proved, although according to archaeological and
historical evidence, Udayagiri could be
considered as ancient Vishnupadagiri, where the
iron pillar was originally erected. But archaeological
excavations are necessary to confirm it as the original
city of location of the iron pillar.
The inscription at the top of the pillar indicates it
was King Chandra's monument of victory, while another
further down mentions King Anang Pal II of the Chauhan
dynasty who ruled in northern India during the late
eleventh century. This has led to confusion and a lot of
myths that surround this pillar. The mystery of the
pillar continues to intrigue, till more evidence can be
garnered.
BY HARPREET KAUR
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