Post No. 9519
Date uploaded in London – –22 APRIL 2021
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
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tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
A lot of us have read about the amazing Iron Pillar in Delhi. But not many people know the origin of it and the inscription on it.
Here is a paper cutting from 16 June 2007
The Iron Pillar next to the Qutab Minar in Delhi has been the centre of attraction for metallurgists from all over the world. For nearly 1600 years, it has been standing undaunted under the open skies, during all types of weather conditions. In so many years it has not rusted; this has been a surprise for the world.
As far as the question of its history is concerned, it was made in the fourth century CE. According to the Sanskrit inscription on it, it was set up as a flag post in front of the temple of Lord Vishnu on the Vishnu mountain in Mathura by Chandra Raj. It may have been made to place a Garuda (Eagle, Vahana of Vishnu) on top of it. That is why it is also called the Garuda Pillar. It was brought to Delhi in 1050 by Anang Pal, the founder of modern Delhi.
The Pillar is 735.5 CMS tall, of which 50 CMS is below the earth and 45 CMS in the stone platform around it. It has a circumference of 41.6 CMS at the base and 30.4 CMS above. It might once have a statue of Garuda on top of it. The total weight of the Pillar is 6096 kilo.
A chemical examination in 1961 showed that the Pillar is made of surprisingly good quality steel and contains much less carbon in comparison to the steel of today. Dr B B Lal, the chief chemist of Indian Archaeological Survey has concluded that the Pillar is made by joining 20-30 kilos of hot Iron pieces. It is believed to have been manufactured in 15 days by 120 workers.
The fact that 1600 years ago the technique of joining pieces of hot Iron was known to us, is a matter of amazement by itself because not a single joint can be seen in the whole Pillar. The fact that despite remaining in the open and weathering out for 16 centuries, it has not rusted, , has amazed expert scientists . It has more phosphorus and less of sulphur and manganese.
Large quantities of slag by itself or collectively increases resistance to rust. Besides this, a 50-600 micron thick layer of oxide also protects the Pillar from rusting.
By Sri Suresh Soni, RSS Sar Karyavah, Organiser Magazine
SANSKRIT INSCRIPTION IN GUPTA BRAHMI SCRIPT
—subham—
TAGS- DELHI IRON PILLAR, SANSKRIT, INSCRIPTION, GUPTA
Tamil and Vedas 