What is the Iron Pillar of Delhi?
The Iron Pillar of Delhi stands in a courtyard of the “Qutb Minar and its Monuments” complex in southern Delhi, India’s capital, a World Heritage site. It is about 7 meters tall and weighs about 6 tons. A Sanskrit inscription on its surface suggests it was erected in the Gupta era, around the 4th–5th centuries, in dedication to the Hindu god Vishnu.
Is “Ashoka Pillar” a mistake?
In Japan it is often introduced under the name “Ashoka Pillar,” but the “pillars of Ashoka” erected across India by King Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty in the 3rd century BC are different objects, made mainly of sandstone. The Delhi pillar is also sometimes named after “King Chandra” mentioned in its inscription (most likely Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty).
Why doesn’t it rust?
The pillar is famous because it has barely rusted despite standing outdoors for more than 1,600 years. It was once said to show “unknown ancient technology” or even to have been “made by aliens.”
Today scientific research has revealed the reasons. The pillar’s iron contains a lot of phosphorus, which forms a very thin protective film on the surface that slows rusting. Delhi’s relatively dry climate is also thought to play a part. It shows the high skill of ancient Indian smiths, who forged a huge pillar by hammering together small lumps of iron.
A pillar that grants wishes
There used to be a saying that if you stand with your back to the pillar and reach your arms around it behind you until your fingertips touch, your wish will come true, and many tourists tried it. Today a fence surrounds the pillar to protect it. Famous OOPArts are listed on the OOPArts page.
